Image Credits : UN News
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people over the past 24 hours, according to local reports. The strikes targeted various locations, including residential areas, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in the Abasan al-Kabira area of eastern Khan Younis, where an overnight strike on a home claimed the lives of at least 10 people, leaving several others wounded, as reported by the Wafa news agency.
Amid the ongoing violence, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to convene for its 24th special session since the conflict in Gaza began on October 7. This urgent meeting has been prompted by a devastating school massacre that took place on Saturday, escalating concerns over the civilian toll of the conflict. The UNSC faces the daunting task of addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis as violence continues to rage in Gaza, with no clear end in sight.
The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating claims made by Hamas’s armed wing regarding the death of an Israeli captive in Gaza and the wounding of two others in a separate incident. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict, as both sides continue to exchange hostilities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the role of the United States and certain Western countries, accusing them of encouraging Israel to continue its actions in Gaza through what he described as “indifference and support.” His comments, reported by Iran’s Mehr news agency, reflect the growing international concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Hamas has urged the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to submit a concrete plan for implementing a ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden. The group emphasized that instead of engaging in further rounds of negotiations or discussing new proposals, efforts should focus on enforcing the ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed.
According to reports, the Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of nearly 39,929 people, with over 92,240 others wounded.
Adding to the controversy, an investigation by Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification agency has shed light on the deadly attack on the al-Tabin School in Gaza. The investigation concluded that the attack, which killed around 100 people, was “deliberately timed to cause maximum casualties.” Sanad’s findings challenge the Israeli military’s claims that the strike targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters. The agency provided evidence suggesting that the attack was aimed at causing widespread civilian casualties, including women and children.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his support for Palestine during talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently visiting Russia. Putin expressed concern over civilian losses in the ongoing conflict and reiterated Russia’s commitment to supporting Palestine and the creation of a full-fledged Palestinian state as a necessary step toward long-term peace in the region.
As the UNSC prepares to debate the Gaza crisis, the international community is watching closely, hoping for decisive action that could lead to a ceasefire and provide much-needed relief to the civilians caught in the crossfire.