Israel Strikes Gaza as Pressure Grows for Ceasefire
GAZA STRIP, Palestinian Territories — Israel continues its deadly strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip, defying international calls for a ceasefire and pleas from desperate relatives to bring home the remaining hostages.
The devastating conflict, which began with sudden Hamas attacks on October 7, has entered its third month and is the bloodiest war in Gaza’s history. The Palestinian territory has been ravaged, leading to global concern.
According to the Gaza Strip health ministry, an Israeli bombardment killed 24 Palestinians in the Jabalia camp on Sunday morning, with many still missing under the rubble. Additionally, at least 12 people died in strikes on the central city of Deir Al Balah, while Gaza’s second city, Bani Suhaila east of Khan Yunis, faced heavy bombardment.
Several foreign envoys, including French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, have called for an immediate and durable truce leading to a lasting ceasefire. Colonna emphasized the high civilian death toll, stating that too many civilians are being killed. British Foreign Minister David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also expressed concern over the civilian toll but took a different position on the conflict, stating that they support a sustainable ceasefire rather than an immediate and general one.
The health ministry in Gaza reports that Israel’s offensive, including sustained aerial bombardment and a ground invasion, has claimed the lives of 18,800 people, mainly women and children.
On the Israeli side, two additional soldiers were killed in Gaza on Sunday, bringing the total to 121 since the ground operations began in October.
As a result of Israel’s bombardment, much of Gaza lies in ruins. The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced by the war and warns of a potential breakdown of civil order. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, expressed concerns about hunger, disease, and weak immunity, stating that he would not be surprised if people start dying under these conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO), after visiting Gaza City’s Al Shifa hospital, described the emergency department as a bloodbath. The hospital is witnessing an influx of injured patients arriving every minute, with trauma injuries being treated on the floor due to overcrowding. Tens of thousands of displaced people have sought shelter in and around the hospital amid severe shortages of water and food.
Israel’s government is facing mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, including from its top ally, the United States, to either slow down, suspend, or end the military campaign. The relatives of hostages held in Gaza have repeatedly protested in Tel Aviv, demanding urgent efforts to secure their release. After the army admitted to mistakenly killing three captives, Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old soldier Itai, one of the remaining 129 captives, expressed anguish and uncertainty, comparing the situation to playing Russian roulette.
According to reports, talks mediated by Qatar have resumed to reach another truce, following a week-long ceasefire last month that allowed for a swap of hostages and prisoners. Despite this, Hamas, in a statement on the messaging app Telegram, declared it would not negotiate any prisoner exchange until the aggression against their people completely ceases.
The Gaza conflict has also caused violence to escalate in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry reported that five Palestinians were killed on Sunday morning during an operation by Israeli forces at the Tulkarem refugee camp. Since the war began, health officials claim that more than 290 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank.
Concerns about a broader Middle East conflict have arisen, as Israel continues to exchange fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah along its northern border with Lebanon. Additionally, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched repeated attacks on Israel and passing vessels, disrupting the key Red Sea shipping lane. Major shipping companies, including Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, have redirected their vessels in response.
In a bid to demonstrate ongoing commitments to regional security and stability, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that he would be traveling to Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The ongoing conflict continues to inflict heavy casualties and destruction on the people of Gaza. As pressure for a ceasefire intensifies, the international community and concerned parties strive to find a viable and lasting solution that will bring relief to the war-weary region.
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