"UN Official Warns of Unsafe Conditions in Gaza as Israel-Hamas Conflict Rages On"
ICARO Media Group
In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a senior UN official has expressed grave concern for the safety of civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip, stating that there is currently no safe place in the area. The UN, along with other humanitarian organizations, has called for a cease-fire to ensure the delivery of essential supplies and alleviate civilian casualties.
The US has been pushing for a temporary halt in the fighting in order to aid hostages and deliver vital resources. However, Israel has rejected this proposal until Israeli hostages held by Hamas are released. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on a group of ambulances near the Al-Shifa hospital, claiming that Hamas had been using the vehicles to transport operatives and weapons. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that over a dozen people were killed in the attack.
According to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, over 9,200 people have been killed in the conflict, while Israel reported over 1,400 casualties. It is important to note that these numbers have not been independently verified by CNBC.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Arab leaders, including Jordan's King Abdullah II, to discuss the situation. Blinken disagreed publicly with demands for an immediate cease-fire from Egypt and Jordan, emphasizing that Israel has the right to defend itself but highlighting the importance of ensuring civilian safety and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In Israel, thousands of protestors gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence, demanding his resignation in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack that sparked the conflict. Netanyahu has refused to take responsibility for the attack, stating that answers will be provided after the war.
The conflict has strained relations between Israel and Turkey, with both countries recalling their ambassadors. Blinken will include Turkey in his Middle East trip amid escalating tensions.
Leaders from Lebanon and Egypt have called on the international community to intensify efforts to end the violence and prevent further escalation. The Lebanese caretaker prime minister visited Cairo to discuss the peace process and the urgent need for stability in the region.
The World Health Organization has called for a cease-fire in Gaza after an IDF attack on an ambulance convoy resulted in several casualties. The agency stressed the need to protect medical teams and facilities, stating that targeting them violates the Geneva Conventions.
Gaza residents have faced increasing challenges in accessing food and essential supplies due to airstrikes and shortages. Reports indicate that expired food and damaged bakeries have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving many vulnerable to malnutrition and starvation.
The conflict has also resulted in the destruction of residential buildings, including the family home of Hamas' exiled leader Ismail Haniyeh. Additionally, French authorities have reported that 39 French citizens have been killed in the attacks.
As the situation worsens, efforts to provide aid to Gaza have been hindered. Egypt has delivered humanitarian aid across the Rafah border crossing, but fuel supplies remain restricted.
Despite calls for a halt in the fighting, Israel continues to reject the US' proposals until the release of Israeli hostages. Netanyahu emphasized the need for self-defense and vowed to pursue full force until the hostages are freed.
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees has highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where people seeking shelter under the UN flag still face significant risks. With over 1.5 million people displaced and a critical shortage of food and water, the agency warns of a humanitarian catastrophe.
It is clear that the Israel-Hamas conflict has had devastating consequences, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. International pressure to bring about a cease-fire and provide immediate humanitarian aid remains crucial as the situation continues to deteriorate.