The buildings destroyed by Israeli strikes in Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues on December 13, 2023. (Reuters)
Israel Bombards Gaza Amid Rising Dispute with the United States
Israel bombed Gaza on Thursday as the top White House advisor was set to arrive in Jerusalem amid escalating tensions over U.S. calls for its ally to show restraint.
The Ongoing War
The war, now in its third month, began after attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7 against Israel that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians according to Israeli officials.
U.S. Calls for Restraint
The war has left besieged Gaza in ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, and destroying homes, roads, schools, and hospitals.
19 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes
The Palestinian Health Ministry announced that Israeli airstrikes early Thursday killed at least 19 people in the Gaza Strip.
Escalating Violence in the West Bank
In the West Bank, which has also seen a rise in violence since October 7, the Palestinian Authority reported that two people were killed in Israeli strikes in the city of Jenin.
Increased Diplomatic Pressure on Israel
Diplomatic pressure is mounting on Israel to better protect civilians, as the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly this week in favor of a non-binding resolution calling for a ceasefire.
While Washington voted against the resolution, it was supported by allies Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, who in a rare joint statement expressed their “concern over the narrowing safe space for civilians in Gaza.”
CNN reported on Wednesday, citing U.S. intelligence, that nearly half of the aerial munitions used by Israel in Gaza since October 7 were unguided, potentially posing a greater threat to civilians.
The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, warned on Wednesday that Gaza’s residents are facing “the worst chapters of their history.”
Widespread diseases like meningitis, jaundice, and upper respiratory infections are threatening.
The United Nations has warned that Gaza’s hospital system is in ruins, and Palestinian authorities have said that children’s vaccines have run out, warning of “catastrophic health impacts.”
The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry stated that Israeli forces fired upon sections of Al-Quds Hospital in northern Gaza.
Israel denies Hamas’s claims of using hospitals, schools, mosques, and extensive tunnels beneath them as military bases, rejecting these accusations.
In Israel, the military is under increasing pressure to minimize troop losses and secure the release of hostages.
The army has lost 115 soldiers, including 10 on Tuesday, the deadliest day since the ground assault began on October 27.
During the October 7 attack—Israel’s deadliest incident in 75 years—Hamas took around 240 hostages.
Hamas released several hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a week-long truce last month, but others were found dead.
Hostage families said on Wednesday they demanded “immediate clarification from the Prime Minister and government members” after local media reported the government rejected a proposal to send officials to Qatar for a second round of hostage negotiations.
The Israeli Embassy in Romania announced on Wednesday the death of Romanian-Israeli Tal Haimi, 41, who had been held in Gaza.
Washington and London announced on Wednesday additional sanctions against Hamas, targeting “key officials who support Hamas’s agenda of violence.”
Concerns remain about the expansion of the conflict, with daily incidents occurring along the Israeli border with Lebanon, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah is stationed.
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More:
The United States has ceased selling rifles to Israel due to concerns over settlement violence in the West Bank.
288 displaced individuals from Gaza have been killed in UNRWA shelters since October 7.
The United States is concerned about civilian casualties in Gaza and warns Israel of potential loss of support.
Source: https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/12/14/Israel-bombs-Gaza-as-rift-with-US-grows
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