The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in many casualties. The death count for Israelis stands at 700, while the Palestinian toll has reached 421, with many of them from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
According to the Ministry of Health, the violence has resulted in the tragic loss of over 421 lives in Gaza, with more than 2,200 others injured. Israeli airstrikes have targeted various sites, including residential blocks, tunnels, mosques, and homes. The severity of the attacks, which claimed the lives of 20 children, aligns with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vow for a “mighty vengeance.”
US Increases Military Support for Israel
In a significant move, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the relocation of a US carrier strike group closer to Israel, including the Ford carrier and its supporting vessels. Austin further communicated plans for the US to supply munitions to Israel and commence security assistance. There’s also a proposal to augment the number of nearby fighter jets.
Palestinian Appeal to the UN
Palestine’s representative to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, emphasized the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and international law. Speaking from the UN headquarters in New York, Mansour asserted the need for a collective commitment to the resolutions of the Security Council. He critically questioned Israel’s demands for support, highlighting the contradictions between their actions and international legitimacy.
The Ferocity of the Hamas Assault
The recent surge in violence witnessed intense exchanges between Israeli forces and Hamas. Following a surprise onslaught on Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled the nation’s resolve, stating they are on the brink of a long and strenuous conflict. This recent escalation, the most severe in recent decades, observed extensive rocket barrages and a comprehensive offensive from Hamas. The Israeli army reported intense gun battles at multiple sites, including locations where hostages were taken.
Additionally, the army mentioned a retaliatory artillery strike on southern Lebanon, prompted by shots fired from the region.
Netanyahu, communicating via X (a successor to Twitter), declared that the initial defence stage was concluding with significant enemy casualties. He affirmed Israel’s determination to persevere offensively, emphasizing restoring security to the nation’s citizens.
In conclusion, it’s worth noting that Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, expressed grave concerns over the mounting tensions in the Middle East and the tragic loss of innocent lives. Through a tweet, he conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinians and urged an immediate cessation of violence by the Israeli forces.
