US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Tel Aviv with the aim of negotiating humanitarian pauses in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As Israel mounts its offensive against Hamas, Blinken will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders to discuss concrete measures to minimize civilian casualties and alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The US has emphasized that any pauses in fighting should be temporary and localized, while also affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. Blinken expressed his personal concern for the wellbeing of Palestinian children and vowed to respond to the crisis. The newly appointed US ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, accompanied Blinken on the trip.
The escalating violence in Gaza has resulted in a devastating toll on the civilian population. Gaza health authorities report that over 9,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its assault on the enclave in response to attacks by Hamas militants. Israel, on the other hand, claims that Hamas killed 1,400 people, mostly civilians, in the deadliest day of its history. Israeli forces have now encircled Gaza City, intensifying the focus of their campaign to eradicate Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces have conducted airstrikes, artillery attacks, and naval strikes, targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure.
Calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian pause have grown louder as the conflict enters its fourth week. The United Arab Emirates, one of the few Arab states with diplomatic relations with Israel, has urged for an immediate ceasefire, warning of the risks of regional spillover and further escalation. However, both Israel and the White House have rejected these appeals, with Israel arguing that it is targeting Hamas fighters intentionally using the civilian population and buildings as cover.
Meanwhile, international observers have expressed deep concern for the safety of Palestinians in Gaza. Medical Aid for Palestinians has described the situation as beyond catastrophic, with over a third of Gaza’s hospitals non-functional and overcrowded makeshift refugee camps. A group of UN human rights experts has warned that Palestinians in Gaza are at grave risk of genocide. The Israeli mission in Geneva called these comments deplorable, attributing civilian deaths to Hamas. The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson emphasized that only a relevant UN judicial body has the authority to determine genocide.
As discussions take place about the post-Hamas future of Gaza, diplomats have begun considering various proposals. These include the deployment of a multinational force, a temporary Palestinian-led administration without Hamas, an interim security and governance role for neighboring Arab states, and temporary UN supervision of the territory. However, Israel is expected to face significant challenges in achieving a military victory, as Hamas fighters have been using tunnels to launch attacks and then retreat into hiding.
On a separate note, the US is flying intelligence-gathering drones over Gaza to aid in locating hostages. Thailand is also working with Iran and other governments to secure the release of nearly two dozen Thai hostages. Additionally, the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt has been opened for limited evacuations as part of a Qatari-brokered deal.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with urgent action needed to prevent further loss of life and address the worsening humanitarian crisis. International efforts to secure a ceasefire and negotiate humanitarian pauses are crucial to ensure the safety and wellbeing of civilians caught in the crossfire.
