The Israeli army unleashed a barrage of airstrikes on numerous targets in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.
The ongoing violence, which began when Hamas initiated an attack on Israel on October 7, has reportedly claimed the lives of thousands, including civilians, as diplomats engage in urgent efforts to bring about a ceasefire.
United Nations relief chief Martin Griffiths expressed deep concern, deeming the rising death toll a “tragic and shameful milestone.”
The UN Security Council convened once again to discuss a draft resolution seeking a pause in what is now considered the bloodiest conflict in Gaza’s history.
The Israeli army disclosed that its aircraft had struck an additional 230 targets in besieged Gaza over the past day, uncovering weapons in a school near Gaza City.
Hamas claims a staggering death toll of 20,000 in the Palestinian territory, with the Hamas government’s media office emphasizing the devastating impact on children and women.
Truce talks have flickered on the horizon as key figures engage in diplomatic efforts. Mossad director David Barnea held a “positive meeting” in Warsaw with CIA chief Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
However, the divergent stances of Israel and Hamas remain a significant obstacle.
In a visit to Egypt, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh met with the country’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
Yet, the conditions for meaningful negotiations appear elusive, with Hamas insisting on a total ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as prerequisites.
The UN human rights office reported alarming incidents, including the “summarily killing” of at least 11 unarmed Palestinian men in Gaza City, raising concerns of potential war crimes. Israel countered, asserting the discovery of a tunnel network used by Hamas leaders.
As the conflict persists, fears of regional escalation grow. The UN Security Council faces an impasse in passing a resolution for a ceasefire, with Israel rejecting the term and the United States employing its veto.
The war’s impact is felt beyond Gaza, with exchanges of fire over the Lebanon border and Iranian-backed Huthi rebels threatening Red Sea shipping.
Against this backdrop, the international community grapples with the urgency of humanitarian access and the pursuit of a sustainable cessation of hostilities, while the people of Gaza endure the devastating consequences of a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
