Key points:
• Intensified Israeli offensive in Gaza
• Cutting off internet and phone services
• Ground attack with troops and tanks
• Week of relentless airstrikes and artillery fire
• Over 7,000 casualties in Gaza
• Chaos in the northern part of Gaza
• Targeting of Hamas tunnels and rocket launchers
• Humanitarian crisis with no safe places for civilians
• Hospitals running out of supplies
• UN’s plea for an immediate cease-fire
• The conflict’s roots dating back to October 7, 2023
• Israeli retaliation, including airstrikes and artillery fire
• Tragic loss of over 3,500 children in Gaza
• UN General Assembly passing a non-binding resolution
• International response, with the US voting against the resolution
• Stalled negotiations for the release of hostages
• US preparations for mass evacuations of Americans
• Continuing dire situation in GazaNews in brief:
Intensification of the Conflict
In a dramatic escalation of the conflict in Gaza, Israel has intensified its offensive by cutting off internet and phone services in the territory and launching a ground attack involving troops and tanks.
Week of Relentless Airstrikes and Artillery Fire
This move comes after a week of relentless airstrikes and artillery fire that have claimed the lives of over 7,000 people in Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
Chaos in Gaza
A BBC correspondent based in Gaza described the overnight bombardment on Friday as “the most extensive I have ever seen or experienced.” The northern part of Gaza has become a very chaotic and dangerous area, with Israel targeting Hamas tunnels and rocket launchers.
Dire Humanitarian Crisis
Humanitarian agencies have issued dire warnings about the situation in Gaza, highlighting the absence of safe places for civilians and the depletion of fuel and supplies in hospitals.
UN’s Plea for Cease-Fire
Lynn Hastings, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Palestine, stressed that “no place in Gaza is safe” and called for an immediate cease-fire to facilitate aid delivery to those in need.
Roots of the Conflict
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a significant attack on Israel, resulting in the loss of more than 1,400 lives and the taking of 229 hostages.
Israeli Retaliation
In retaliation, Israel has unleashed a barrage of airstrikes and artillery fire, which, tragically, have also claimed the lives of over 3,500 children in Gaza.
UN Resolution
Simultaneously, the United Nations General Assembly convened an emergency special session and passed a resolution, primarily proposed by Arab countries, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid. The resolution also demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of all hostages held by Hamas.
International Response
Regrettably, this resolution is not legally binding and has been rebuffed by Israel as “a disgrace.” The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, voted against the resolution. In contrast, key European countries either abstained or voted in favor. Nepal supported the resolution, while India and the UK did not participate in the voting process.
UN Secretary-General’s Plea
Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, has reiterated his plea for a cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing that the ongoing developments are a pivotal moment. He shared on social media, “history will judge us all.”
Stalled Negotiations
As the conflict intensifies, negotiations regarding the release of hostages and an end to fighting for humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza seem to have stalled. Thus far, Hamas has released four hostages, including two Americans and two Israelis, while families anxiously await the release of others.
U.S. Preparedness
The United States is making preparations for the potential mass evacuation of American citizens if the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The U.S. State Department has issued a strong advisory, urging all American citizens to leave Gaza immediately and avoid travel to Israel and the West Bank.
Continuing Crisis
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with no end to the conflict in sight, leaving the international community deeply concerned about the suffering of the civilian population.
Stay tuned to Global News Break (gnbnow.com) for updates on this developing situation.
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