Israel has given civilians in Gaza City a four-hour window to leave, as the city has been surrounded by Israeli forces. Tanks have been positioned, indicating a possible storming of the city. Israel’s campaign is aimed at eliminating Hamas, who attacked Israeli towns a month ago. The conflict began on October 7 when fighters breached the fence surrounding Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis and the abduction of over 200. In response, Israel has launched strikes on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 10,000 people, including many children. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed concern over the human rights violations and is visiting the region to engage with government officials and civil society. Israel has allowed a safe passage for Gazans to leave the city between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Residents have reported seeing tanks and experiencing dangerous conditions while trying to leave. The military has urged residents to move south beyond Wadi Gaza for their safety. The southern part of Gaza has also been targeted by Israeli airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 people. Civilians have expressed their frustration and anger at being targeted by Israel’s military operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will consider pauses in the fighting.Israel and Hamas continue to reject calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israel’s military has captured a militant compound in the northern Gaza Strip and is preparing to attack fighters hiding in underground tunnels. Israeli aircraft have targeted Hamas militants barricaded in a building near the al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City. Both sides insist on their conditions for a halt in fighting, with Israel demanding the release of hostages and Hamas refusing to stop fighting while Gaza is under attack.
The article highlights the unrelenting horror and suffering experienced by civilians on both sides of the conflict. Avihai Brodutch, an Israeli resident, shares his agonizing experience after his wife and three children were abducted by Hamas. He expresses his anguish over the innocence of his young children. While some Gazans with foreign passports have been allowed to leave through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, the majority remain trapped in the strip, causing immense pain for those who have managed to escape.
Suzan Beseiso, a Palestinian-American who recently left Gaza, describes the ongoing horror and the challenges faced by those trying to escape. She recounts the lack of sleep, food, and water, as well as the constant need to move from one place to another. Beseiso also highlights the dangers faced during her own escape due to Israeli bombardment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggests that while a general ceasefire would hinder their war effort, tactical pauses for humanitarian reasons could be considered based on the circumstances. However, both Israel and Hamas remain steadfast in their positions, prolonging the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated his support for Israel and emphasized the need to protect civilians during a phone call with Netanyahu on Monday, according to the White House.
While Washington agrees with Israel’s claim that Hamas would exploit a full ceasefire to regroup, many countries and organizations argue that an immediate ceasefire is necessary to assist the endangered population in Gaza.
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated on Monday that the enclave is turning into a “graveyard for children.” International organizations have warned that hospitals are overwhelmed, and there is a shortage of food and clean water, with insufficient aid deliveries.
On Monday, the heads of several United Nations bodies issued a statement demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, stating that enough is enough after 30 days of conflict.
The Israeli military released video footage on Monday showing tanks and troops moving through destroyed streets. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesperson, stated that troops were targeting Hamas field commanders to weaken their ability to launch counterattacks.
There are concerns that the month-long conflict could escalate to other areas, including the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the northern border with Lebanon, both of which have experienced a surge in violence.
According to the Palestinian health ministry in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces have killed a total of 163 Palestinians since October 7, with 371 killed since the beginning of the year.
Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Emily Rose in Gaza, Patricia Zengerle in Washington, Michelle Nichols at the United Nations, and Amina Ismail in Cairo; Writing by Daphne Psaledakis, Lincoln Feast, and William Maclean; Editing by Rami Ayyub, Cynthia Osterman, Simon Cameron-Moore, Peter Graff.
Our Standards: The Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles.
A senior correspondent with almost 25 years of experience covering the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including multiple wars and the signing of the first historic peace agreement between the two sides.
The post Israel readies for Gaza City push as UN decries month of Middle East ‘carnage’ appeared first on Rush Hour Daily News | Breaking News, U.S & World News, Politics & Opinions - News around the Worlds.
