TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected U.S. pressure for a humanitarian pause in the ongoing war in Gaza until the hostages held by Hamas are released. These remarks followed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel, where he expressed American support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas and called for a temporary halt in the fighting to address the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with a rising number of Palestinian casualties and deepening misery for civilians due to Israeli bombardment and a widening ground assault. Hospitals are overwhelmed and facing shortages of medicine and fuel under the Israeli siege. As a result, 70% of Gaza’s population, or about 1.5 million people, have been displaced.
The average resident of Gaza is surviving on just two pieces of bread per day, and the demand for drinking water is growing. According to Thomas White, Gaza director for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, people are desperate for basic supplies like water.
During talks with Netanyahu, Blinken called for a temporary halt in fighting to facilitate aid deliveries and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, Netanyahu insisted that Israel would continue its operations at full capacity until the hostages are released.
Initially, the U.S. officials stated that they were not seeking a cease-fire but rather short pauses in specific areas to allow for aid deliveries and humanitarian activities, after which Israeli operations would resume. However, a senior U.S. administration official now believes that a significant pause in fighting will be necessary to secure the release of hostages. The official also mentioned ongoing negotiations for a larger deal involving more hostages.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops continue their offensive in Gaza City, engaging in battles with Hamas militants. Airstrikes have caused extensive damage and casualties. There have been reports of strikes hitting hospitals and ambulances, but the Israeli military claims that Hamas uses these facilities for military purposes.
The war between Israel and Hamas has led to escalating tensions along the Lebanon border, raising concerns about a possible conflict with Hezbollah. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that his group has entered the battle, but they have so far taken limited action to support Hamas.
The exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah have resulted in casualties on both sides. In Gaza, over 9,200 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 3,600 children. On the Israeli side, more than 1,400 people have died, mostly civilians. The number of casualties is expected to rise as the Israeli military intensifies its operations in Gaza City.
Israel has been urging residents to evacuate densely populated areas, but many remain trapped, unable to leave due to ongoing airstrikes. In some instances, shells have hit convoys of evacuees, resulting in additional casualties.
The situation in the occupied West Bank has also escalated, with Israeli forces killing Palestinians and making numerous arrests.
Efforts to provide aid to Gaza have been limited. Israel has allowed some food and medicine trucks into Gaza, but fuel supplies have been blocked, with Israel accusing Hamas of hoarding fuel for military purposes.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with no immediate resolution in sight. The international community continues to call for a humanitarian pause to address the suffering of civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. However, Israeli authorities are resolute in their commitment to press on until their demands are met.
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