Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued even after President Biden’s visit to Tel Aviv, where he expressed firm support for the Jewish state in its war against Hamas militants. Tensions in the region escalated as Israel continued its relentless strikes on Gaza. However, there are conflicting narratives regarding the explosion at the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza City. Palestinian officials claim that the explosion killed hundreds of people, while U.S. and Israeli officials, including President Biden, assert that it was caused by a rocket fired by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. Despite the evidence presented, many in the region still blame the Israeli military for the tragedy.
Protests erupted across the Middle East following the deadly blast, with demonstrations in Tunisia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, two teenagers were allegedly shot dead by Israeli forces during the protests. The Israeli military is investigating the incident. President Biden supports Israel’s right to quash Hamas, but he warns against making hasty decisions without careful consideration.
Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, visited ground troops near the Gaza border, urging them to be prepared for a potential invasion. However, the timing of the invasion is yet to be disclosed.
President Biden managed to secure a commitment from Israel to halt bombing near Egypt’s Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip, allowing much-needed humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave for the first time since the blockade began on Oct. 7. However, it is still unclear when the border will open, and in the meantime, Israeli missiles continue to reach Gaza’s two million inhabitants. On Wednesday, a residential building near the Al Quds hospital in Gaza City was hit, causing panic among medical staff and civilians.
According to health officials in Hamas-controlled Gaza, Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of nearly 3,800 people and injured almost 12,500 others, predominantly women and children. This includes over 470 people reported to have died in the hospital blast, an incident that Israel denies causing. In Israel, officials claim that Hamas’ attack has resulted in the deaths of around 1,400 individuals and the injury of 3,500 others.
The U.S. State Department announced that 32 Americans have lost their lives in the conflict, and 11 U.S. citizens remain unaccounted for. Efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas are ongoing.
CBS News will air a one-hour special, “Israel-Hamas War: The World on Edge,” on Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS and on CBS News Streaming. Download the CBS News app on your cellphone or connected TV to watch.
