In a series of appearances on cable news shows, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to downplay the responsibility of his military's role in the escalating violence between Israel and Gaza. This comes as human rights experts warn of ethnic cleansing and war crimes in the ongoing conflict.

Netanyahu, a right-wing leader, appeared on multiple cable news shows on Sunday and sought to minimize both his responsibility in the deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israelis and his military's role in the killing of Palestinians. The Israeli Prime Minister referred to the Palestinian civilian casualties as "collateral damage" in his military's destruction of Gaza, a statement that has sparked controversy.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 11,100 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, have been killed since the violence escalated on Oct. 7. Many are still trapped under destroyed buildings, while millions are displaced and are forced to reside in Gaza refugee camps that are also under attack by Israel. Tragically, aid workers, journalists, and doctors have also fallen victim to the escalating violence.

On the Israeli side, the death toll stands at more than 1,200, with most casualties occurring during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. The United States estimates that hundreds of hostages were taken by Hamas militants during the attack.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, accused both Israel and Hamas of war crimes and called for an end to the Israeli occupation, emphasizing the need to grant Palestinians the right to self-determination. Türk expressed deep concern over the extensive Israeli bombardment, particularly the use of high-impact explosives in densely populated areas, which has resulted in devastating humanitarian and human rights consequences.

Türk's statement prompted Netanyahu to dismiss the accusations as "hogwash," alleging that Israeli forces are not deliberately targeting civilians, despite the soaring death toll among Palestinians. Netanyahu further claimed that Hamas is responsible for the civilian casualties, despite Israel being the party launching attacks from air, sea, and land.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel's ground forces engaging in battles with Hamas militants near Gaza's largest hospital, Al Shifa. Trapped within the hospital are thousands of medics, patients, and displaced families seeking shelter. The hospital is facing critical shortages of electricity and medical supplies. While Israel has accused Hamas of utilizing the hospital for hiding purposes, both Hamas and hospital staff have denied these allegations.

The siege on Gaza, now lasting over a month, has exacerbated the suffering of its residents, making it challenging to access basic necessities and even to survive, according to Türk. Moreover, the World Health Organization has warned that the ongoing bombings, combined with the complete siege, have devastated the medical system, forcing some hospitals to issue evacuation orders.

Tragically, the last generator at al-Shifa Hospital ran out of fuel on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three premature babies and four other patients. Dozens of other children in critical condition are now at risk as the life support machines in the neonatal intensive care unit are no longer functioning. Netanyahu has claimed that Israel would assist in evacuating patients from the hospital. However, Palestinian Minister of Health Mai al-Kaila insists that Israeli forces are forcibly evicting the wounded onto the streets, leaving them to face certain death.

Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian group, has expressed deep concern for the lives of more babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at al-Shifa Hospital. The organization has also called out media outlets for failing to verify Israel's claims about its bombardment.

The international community continues to intensify calls for an immediate end to the violence, with increasing scrutiny on Israel's military tactics and accusations of disproportionate attacks. As the death toll rises and the humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza, the urgency to find a solution and bring an end to the suffering becomes increasingly apparent.