Israel’s ground troops are making their way towards Gaza City, while diplomatic efforts are being intensified by the U.S. and Arab countries to alleviate the suffering of civilians in the Hamas-ruled enclave. President Joe Biden proposed a humanitarian “pause” on Wednesday, allowing foreign passport holders and wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza for the first time through Egypt’s Rafah crossing. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to return to the region on Friday.
Arab countries, including those friendly with the U.S. and at peace with Israel, have expressed growing concern about the war. Jordan has recalled its ambassador from Israel and instructed Israel’s envoy to stay out of the country until the war and the “humanitarian catastrophe” it is causing come to an end. The fighting, which has lasted for 25 days, has resulted in the deaths of over 3,600 Palestinian children and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.
Israeli troops have entered Gaza in larger numbers after weeks of heavy airstrikes that have destroyed entire neighborhoods and displaced over half of the population. The U.S. has pledged unwavering support for Israel in its efforts to end Hamas’ rule over Gaza and dismantle its military capabilities. A pause in fighting would allow more aid to reach Gaza and potentially lead to the release of more hostages.
The opening of the Rafah crossing came after extensive negotiations involving Egypt, Israel, the U.S., and Qatar. This marked the first time that people were allowed to leave Gaza, apart from the few hostages released by Hamas and those rescued by Israeli forces.
Israeli troops appear to be advancing on three main routes, according to the Institute for the Study of War. One route is from Gaza’s northeast corner, another is south of Gaza City, cutting across the territory, and the third is from Gaza’s northwest corner, moving down the Mediterranean coast. Meanwhile, Palestinian militants continue to attack Israeli troops, resulting in retaliatory measures.
Despite repeated calls from Israel to evacuate the northern region of Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain in the path of the fighting. The casualties on both sides are expected to increase as Israeli troops move closer to the densely populated neighborhoods of Gaza City.
Rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and skirmishes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants have disrupted life for millions of Israelis. More than 8,800 Palestinians, mostly women and minors, have been killed in the war, along with over 1,400 Israelis, mainly civilians. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, with basic supplies running low and hospitals and shelters overcrowded.
Israel has allowed some aid to enter from Egypt, but it is far from sufficient. The lack of fuel poses a significant risk to patients on life-saving treatments, such as kidney dialysis and cancer therapy. Hospitals in Gaza are running out of fuel for their emergency generators, and some have been forced to shut down, leaving patients in critical condition.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with no clear resolution in sight. The international community continues its efforts to bring about a cessation of hostilities and provide much-needed assistance to the people of Gaza.
