The death toll in Gaza exceeds 10,000

The situation in Gaza has escalated severely, with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighting the tragic impact on children, referring to Gaza as a “graveyard for children”. The death toll from Israeli strikes in Gaza has surpassed 10,000, with Palestinian health authorities reporting that over 4,000 of these are children. Both Israel and Hamas, who control Gaza, are resisting international pressure for a ceasefire. Israel is demanding the release of hostages taken by Hamas during an attack in southern Israel, while Hamas refuses to cease hostilities or release hostages while under attack.

Guterres emphasized the dire situation, noting that civilians, hospitals, refugee camps, religious sites, and UN facilities, including shelters, are being hit. He also criticized Hamas and other militants for using civilians as shields and launching rockets towards Israel.

The conflict has seen significant casualties on both sides. Israel reports 31 soldiers killed since expanding ground operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, intense bombardment continues, with a recent overnight attack being one of the most severe since the conflict escalated.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed, and shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Guterres stressed the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, a sentiment echoed by other international organizations.

The U.S. is advocating for temporary pauses in the conflict to facilitate aid delivery rather than a full ceasefire. President Joe Biden has discussed these pauses and potential hostage releases with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming U.S. support for Israel while emphasizing the need to protect civilians.

The conflict has also seen the targeting of Hezbollah in Lebanon by Israel, responding to rocket attacks on northern Israeli cities. The Israeli military is focusing on Hamas militants in Gaza, with ground forces isolating areas and targeting underground tunnels and bunkers.

Efforts by international figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CIA Director William Burns, are ongoing to de-escalate the situation and ensure the secure future of Israelis and Palestinians, as well as to increase aid delivery.