Israel continues to expand its ground operations on the 23rd day of the War on Gaza, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing a “second stage of the war.” Al-Quds Hospital is under the threat of bombardment, with the Palestine Red Crescent announcing receiving “serious threats” from Israeli authorities to evacuate.
Guterres Calls for Ceasefire Amidst Gaza Crisis
During his recent visit to Nepal, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made a passionate plea for a ceasefire. His call to action comes in response to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.
The Desperate Situation in Gaza
“The situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hour,” Guterres expressed with deep concern. He voiced his regret that, despite the international community’s support for a much-needed humanitarian pause, Israel has instead escalated its military operations.
Threats to Al-Quds Hospital
In a shocking development, the Palestine Red Crescent announced that they had received “serious threats” from Israeli authorities. The threats demanded the immediate evacuation of Al-Quds Hospital due to the imminent risk of bombardment. This alarming news was shared on their official Instagram account on Sunday, 29 October.
The post further revealed that there had been raids occurring as close as 50 meters away from the hospital since that morning.
Previous Bombing Threats
This isn’t the first time Al-Quds Hospital has been under threat. On 20 October, the Palestine Red Crescent received the first bombing threat for the hospital. At that time, the hospital was providing shelter and medical care to more than 400 patients and over 12,000 displaced civilians.
UNRWA’s Role in the Gaza Strip
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip has been working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict. However, the escalating violence and threats to key humanitarian facilities like Al-Quds Hospital are making their mission increasingly challenging.
Palestinians Break into Warehouses Amid Desperation
In a shocking turn of events, thousands of Palestinians have reportedly stormed several warehouses in a desperate bid to secure basic commodities. The items taken include essentials such as wheat and flour, among other goods.
UNRWA Chief Expresses Concern
“This is a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down after three weeks of war and a tight siege,” expressed Thomas White, the UNRWA chief in Gaza. His concern is palpable as he witnesses the dire situation unfold.
The Failing Convoy System
White further criticized the current system of convoys, stating, “The current system of convoys is geared to fail.” He pointed out the numerous issues plaguing the system, including a lack of trucks, slow processes, strict inspections, and mismatched supplies. The most significant problem, however, is the ongoing ban on fuel.
The Gaza Strip’s Struggles Continue
The Gaza Strip continues to reel under a complete blockade on fuel and severe restrictions on food and medical aid. Communications were severed on the night of 27 October and only started to return on 29 October.
Update on Israeli Hostages in Gaza Strip
In a recent update, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari revealed that at least 230 Israeli hostages are being held in the Gaza Strip. He shared this information in a video posted on Sunday, 29 October, adding that the number is not final as the military continues to investigate new information.
Hagari assured that the Israeli military will do everything in its power to rescue the soldiers. The Israeli government’s aim is to destroy…
The Battle for Freedom: Israel’s Second War of Independence
In a recent statement, Hagari, a prominent Israeli figure, echoed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s sentiments regarding the current conflict with Hamas. The primary objectives, he stated, are to dismantle the “military and governing capabilities” of Hamas and to secure the safe return of the 230 hostages taken from Israel.
Update 2: Netanyahu Announces Second Stage of War
In a public announcement on 29 October, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the “second stage of the war” on Gaza. He was joined by war cabinet ministers Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz in this statement. The goal of this new phase is to “destroy Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, and bring the captives back home.”
Netanyahu’s War Cry: A War of Humanity Against Barbarism
Netanyahu framed this conflict as “our second war of independence,” a “war of humanity against barbarism.” He vowed to “destroy the enemy above ground and below ground.”
Israel Intensifies Ground and Aerial Operations
Since 27 October, Israel has escalated its ground operations and aerial bombing. The number of Palestinians killed in Gaza since 7 October has risen to 7,650. On the night of 27 October, Israel cut off communications from the Strip, leading to repeated warnings from UN bodies about an impending humanitarian catastrophe. As of 29 October, communications have started to return.
Egypt’s President Al-Sisi’s Warning on Middle East Conflict
In a recent public address, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi issued a stark warning about the escalating conflict in the Middle East. He described the situation as a “ticking time bomb” that could have devastating consequences for all countries in the region. His comments were made during the inauguration of the International Manufacturing Convention Exhibition on Saturday, 28 October.
A Call for De-escalation
President Al-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s capability and determination to protect its homeland. He highlighted the significant efforts being made to de-escalate the situation, particularly in light of recent attacks against Egypt.
The president also clarified Egypt’s foreign policy stance, stating that it does not seek to conspire against other nations. However, he firmly asserted that Egypt’s sovereignty should not be undermined.
“We welcome the decision of the United Nations General Assembly calling for a ceasefire,” he added.
The Conflict So Far
The conflict in the Middle East took a dramatic turn on 7 October when Hamas launched a surprise attack on several southern Israeli towns. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of an estimated 1,405 lives and more than 220 people being taken hostage by Hamas. In response, Israel initiated a retaliatory bombing campaign against what it describes as ‘terrorist targets’ in the Gaza Strip.
The human cost of the conflict has been staggering. At least 7,650 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, including over 3,000 children, and 19,450 others injured. Meanwhile, 111 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict.
The West Bank Crisis: A Humanitarian Perspective
As I write this, the West Bank is in turmoil. The conflict has already claimed the lives of over 1,950 people, and countless others have been injured. It’s a heart-wrenching situation that’s unfolding right before our eyes.
Egypt’s Role in the Crisis
From the onset of this conflict, the Egyptian government has been tirelessly working towards de-escalation. Their primary focus has been to secure a safe passage for aid to reach the beleaguered Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. Despite Israel bombing the crossing at least six times, Egypt has managed to get 80 aid trucks across to Gaza. However, UN officials are raising alarm bells, warning that this is far from enough given the dire humanitarian conditions on the ground.
International Response to the Crisis
On the international front, the response has been mixed. Most Western countries, led by the United States, have thrown their weight behind Israel, offering unconditional support. This stance has been maintained despite the escalating death toll in Gaza. In contrast, the United Nations General Assembly has taken a different approach. They’ve issued a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the urgent need to halt the bloodshed.
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