Israel’s military chief expressed the need for war as tanks were gathered near the Gaza Strip in preparation for a ground invasion against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel has been conducting airstrikes on Gaza since the weekend attacks and is now readying for a ground assault. The United Nations was informed by the Israeli military that 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza should relocate to the south of the enclave within 24 hours. The UN warned that such a movement would have devastating humanitarian consequences and called for the order to be rescinded. Israel’s government presented graphic images of children and civilians killed by Hamas to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO defense ministers in an effort to garner support for their response. Blinken described the images as showing unimaginable depravity. While urging Israel to show restraint, Blinken reiterated America’s support. He planned to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah and Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, as part of a Middle East tour. Blinken also intended to visit key US allies with influence on Hamas, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, acknowledged the need to learn from past experiences.The recent attack on Israel by Hamas has raised concerns about security failures in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Minister acknowledged the need to learn from these failures and investigate them. However, he emphasized that now is the time for war.

In response to the attack, the U.S. military has stated that it will provide security assistance to Israel without any conditions. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed the expectation that Israel’s military will take appropriate actions in its fight against Hamas. Austin was scheduled to visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas has called on Palestinians to protest against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. They urged Palestinians to march to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem and clash with Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank.

Israel’s parliament has approved Prime Minister Netanyahu’s emergency unity government, which includes opposition lawmakers. This move aims to demonstrate the country’s united determination to fight against Hamas. The Israeli death toll has risen to over 1,300, and numerous hostages have been taken back to Gaza.

Israel has responded to the attack by imposing a siege on Gaza and launching a bombing campaign that has resulted in the destruction of entire neighborhoods. The Gaza authorities reported that over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed.

Sirens warning of rocket fire were heard in Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Israel conducted airstrikes throughout the Gaza Strip, resulting in casualties. The ICRC has warned that fuel for emergency generators in Gaza hospitals could run out soon, and the WFP has expressed concerns about the shortage of food and fresh water.

The ICRC regional director, Fabrizio Carboni, condemned the escalation of violence and urged both sides to minimize the suffering of civilians.Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions in its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, stating that this puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury. Israel’s military, however, claims to be unaware of the use of such weapons in Gaza.

North Korea has denied allegations that its weapons were used by Hamas in the attack against Israel. They believe that these claims are an attempt by the United States to shift blame for the conflict onto a third country.

In response to safety concerns, the U.S. State Department will be providing charter flights to Europe for Americans who wish to leave Israel. Japan has also arranged a charter flight for its citizens. The conflict has led to civil unrest in Europe, with police in Paris using tear gas and water cannon to disperse a banned rally in support of the Palestinian people. Additionally, some Jewish schools in Amsterdam and London have temporarily closed due to safety concerns.

Law enforcement officials in New York and Los Angeles have increased police presence, particularly around synagogues and Jewish community centers, in response to potential threats. However, some officials are downplaying the threat. The Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee has expressed concern over FBI visits to mosques and individuals with Palestinian roots, calling it a troubling trend.

In Jerusalem, mourners gathered at the Mount Herzl military cemetery to bury the dead. One mourner expressed their admiration for the strength and determination shown by those who fought. In Gaza’s Khan Younis, where cemeteries are already full, the dead are being buried in empty lots. Palestinian rescue workers are tirelessly trying to save survivors from houses destroyed by Israeli air strikes.

The situation in Gaza is described as unimaginably harsh, with high-rise buildings being demolished on top of their residents. Gazans, who are mainly descendants of refugees, have endured economic hardships and displacement since Israel’s founding in 1948.The Palestinian territory of Gaza has been under a blockade and subjected to repeated Israeli bombardment since Hamas took control 16 years ago. This has led to mounting anger among Palestinians, especially in recent months as Israel has carried out a deadly crackdown in the West Bank and its right-wing government has expressed intentions to seize more land. The collapse of the peace process a decade ago has left Palestinian leaders feeling hopeless and has strengthened extremist groups.

The article was reported by Henriette Chacar, Dedi Hayun, Maayan Lubell, and Emily Rose in Jerusalem, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Emma Farge in Geneva, and Jeff Mason in Washington, Humeyra Pamuk in Tel Aviv, Steve Gorman and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles. It was written by Michael Martina and Michael Perry, and edited by Howard Goller, Diane Craft, and Lincoln Feast.

The Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles apply to this article.

The senior correspondent who covered the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for nearly 25 years, including several wars and the signing of the first peace accord, is mentioned. Humeyra Pamuk, a senior foreign policy correspondent based in Washington DC, is also mentioned. She covers the U.S. State Department and has extensive experience in international reporting, including the Arab Spring, Syria’s civil war, Turkish elections, and the Kurdish insurgency. She holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in European Union studies.

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