Jordan also asked Israel’s Foreign Ministry to inform its ambassador to Jordan, Rogel Rochman, who is presently in Israel due to security threats in Amman, not to come back…reports Asian Lite News
Jordan on Wednesday recalled its envoy to Israel in protest to the attacks carried out by the Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry in a statement on Wednesday said that the country’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi asked Ambassador Rasan Al-Majali to return back to Amman from Israel. “This was in protest to the raging war carried out by Israel in the Gaza Strip leading to the death of several innocent citizens and unprecedented human rights issues in the area.”
Jordan also asked Israel’s Foreign Ministry to inform its ambassador to Jordan, Rogel Rochman, who is presently in Israel due to security threats in Amman, not to come back.
It may be recalled that Colombia, Chile and Bolivia have also recalled their ambassadors to Israel.
Slamming Chile and Columbia, Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lior Haiat said: “Citizens of Chile, Columbia and other Latin American countries are also amongst the victims of the heinous crimes of October 7. The state of Israel is fighting a war that was imposed on it. This is a war against a terrorist organization that is using the citizens of the Gaza Strip as human shields.”
The hospital had absorbed and replaced Al Shifa hospital’s maternity ward, which is being used now to treat injured persons…reports Asian Lite News
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has said that 16 out of the total 32 hospitals in the Hamas-controlled enclave are out of service due to the constant Israeli airstrikes and severe shortage of fuel.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said that the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, which is the leading cancer hospital in Gaza, has stopped operating, CNN reported.
Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said that at least 70 patients in the hospital are under critical condition, while the lives of about 2,000 other cancer patients are also under serious threat amid “catastrophic health conditions” due to the raging conflict between the Hamas and Israel.
On Monday, the hospital’s director Sobhi Skaik told CNN that the centre of the facility had been destroyed as a result of an airtsike while the thord floor suffered a direct hit causing damage to oxygen and water supplies, although there were no injuries or deaths.
But the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN on Tuesday that it “did not strike Gaza’s Turkish-Palestinian Friendship hospital”, without providing any further information.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry in its statement on Wednesday also warned that the Al Shifa Medical Complex, the largest hospital in Gaza, could be out of service very soon.
“Al Shifa Medical Complex will stop working in less than 24 hours due to running out of fuel,” the Ministry said, adding that the facility’s vicinity has been repeatedly hit by Israeli airstrikes.
On Wednesday night, the Al Hilo Hospital was reportedly struck by shelling, the UN Office for the Coordiantion of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.
The hospital had absorbed and replaced Al Shifa hospital’s maternity ward, which is being used now to treat injured persons.
However, Israel has reiterated that there is no fuel shortage in Gaza.
Last week, IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told CNN that there is “between 800,000 and perhaps more than one million liters of fuel of different types stored inside Gaza” under Hamas control.
As of Friday morning, the death toll in Gaza since the war erupted on October 7 stood at 8,805, with 22,240 persons injured.
In Israel, there have been 1,400 deaths and 5,400 injuries.
Eight Egyptian hospitals in North Sinai and Cairo are prepared to treat the wounded, he noted…reports Asian Lite News
Some foreign passport holders from the Gaza Strip crossed into Egypt on Wednesday via the Rafah crossing, the only linking point between the African nation and the Hamas-controlled enclave.
Early Wednesday morning, Egypt had sent 40 ambulances to cross the Rafah checkpoint to transfer injured Palestinians from Gaza, an official security source told Xinhua news agency.
Egypt has allocated three areas in Arish and Sheikh Zuweid cities to host the families of the the injured, the source added.
Eight Egyptian hospitals in North Sinai and Cairo are prepared to treat the wounded, he noted.
Meanwhile, some 70 humanitarian aid trucks have crossed Rafah en route to Gaza.
Also on Wednesday morning, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a post on X that the crossing was likely to open later in the day “for a first group of foreign nationals”.
“The Rafah crossing is likely to open today for a first group of foreign nationals. UK teams are ready to assist British nationals as soon as they are able to leave.
“It’s vital that lifesaving humanitarian aid can enter Gaza as quickly as possible,” he said in the post.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said approximately 400 Americans and their family members — about 1,000 people total — are stuck in Gaza and seeking to leave amid diplomatic efforts to help them.
According to the US State Department, Blinken spoke with his Qatari counterpart on Monday about pressing Hamas to allow Americans and other foreign nationals to leave.
Since the first convoy of humanitarian aid passd through Rafah on October 21, two weeks after the broke out of the Israel-Hamas conflict, about 250 trucks carrying tonness of supplies have entered the Palestinian territory, according to Egyptian data.
Israel requires the aid convoys to be inspected first at the Israeli Nitzana Border Crossing with Egypt and then drive nearly 100 km to the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing before entering Gaza.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has killed more than 8,525 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis, according to official figures from both sides.
A total of 239 people were taken hostage during the Hamas attacks, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
In the past week a dozen Labour frontbenchers have defied the agreed party line on the conflict and called for a cease-fire…reports Asian Lite News
Keir Starmer doubled down on his position on the war between Israel and Hamas Tuesday despite open revolt on the opposition Labour Party’s front bench.
In a speech at the Chatham House foreign policy think tank, Starmer faced down calls to demand a cease-fire in Gaza and said this would only “embolden” Hamas militants to launch another attack.
In the past week a dozen Labour frontbenchers have defied the agreed party line on the conflict and called for a cease-fire.
Dozens of Labour MPs, including some shadow Cabinet members, have been privately lobbying Starmer’s office to change its position and warning that the party is losing significant support from the British Muslim community.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and London and Greater Manchester mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham all joined calls for a cease-fire last week.
But Starmer warned on Tuesday that a cease-fire “always freezes any conflict in the state where it currently lies. And, as we speak, that would leave Hamas with the infrastructure and the capabilities to carry out the sort of attack we saw on October 7.”
“Hamas would be emboldened and start preparing for future violence immediately,” he said.
Starmer argued that Labour’s current position of calling for humanitarian “pauses” in the fighting was “the only credible approach.”
He issued a warning to shadow ministers to toe the line, saying that he took collective responsibility “extremely seriously.”
Pressed repeatedly by reporters on why shadow ministers have not been disciplined for straying from the party’s position, Starmer said he was “sensitively engaging” with them and that he needed to respond proportionately.
The Labour leader said Israel must act within international law. He stressed the need for “the urgent alleviation of Palestinian suffering” and called for “crystal clear guarantees” that people who flee their homes in Gaza will be allowed to return quickly.
He argued that the supply of water, medicines, electricity and fuel to citizens in Gaza “cannot be blocked by Israel.”
But Starmer declined to say whether Israel is currently adhering to international law and said this matter would be “adjudicated in due course.”
Around two dozen people gathered outside Chatham House on Tuesday morning to protest Labour’s position and urge Starmer to back a cease-fire. Among them was James Schneider, who was press secretary to former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
A spokesperson for the left-wing Momentum campaign group said Starmer’s “support for more war, more bombing and more Palestinian deaths is wholly out of touch with his own party and the public at large, who overwhelmingly back an immediate ceasefire.”
But Mike Katz, national chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, an affiliate of the party, hailed what he called “an important intervention” from Starmer which had shown “clear leadership.”
“MPs and others should reflect on how best to achieve the desired outcome in Gaza and how they can ease community tensions on our streets, and unite behind his position,” Katz added.
Starmer’s speech comes after Corbynite MP Andy McDonald was suspended from the Labour Party whip Monday for comments made at a pro-Palestinian protest.
McDonald had told the crowd: “We won’t rest until we have justice. Until all people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty.” The phrase “between the river and the sea” has been linked to calls for the destruction of Israel.
A Labour spokesperson said the comments were “deeply offensive, particularly at a time of rising antisemitism which has left Jewish people fearful for their safety.”
Last week, Starmer and Rayner met more than a dozen Muslim politicians who said the Labour leader’s positioning on the Israel-Hamas conflict was causing distress to many in the party.
One person present said Starmer acknowledged the amount of “work to be done” to win back the trust of Muslim voters. They added that they thought the leadership would continue to adapt their position to fall in line with international leaders, depending on how severe the conflict became.
When asked whether Labour was taking Muslim votes for granted, Kyle said: “We’re not thinking how do we win votes or what votes we will lose at a time when there is war and conflict unfolding … Everybody has the legitimate right in a democratic society as ours … What Hamas did was wrong and we stand on the side of Israel within international law to defend itself.”
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the air strikes by Israel and underscored that indiscriminate attacks will result in irreparable ramifications in the region….reports Asian Lite News
Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit has strongly condemned the deadly Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
In a statement on Tuesday, the AL chief said that it was “a new crime” in Gaza and that the international community should no longer remain silent.
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the air strikes by Israel and underscored that indiscriminate attacks will result in irreparable ramifications in the region.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reaffirmed the need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life, stressing the importance of protecting civilians, according to international humanitarian law, international treaties, and the need to ensure that they are not targeted during conflict.
Furthermore, the Ministry stressed the importance of the United Nations General Assembly resolution which calls for a humanitarian truce in Gaza and a cessation of hostilities. The Ministry underscored that the resolution is an important step towards de-escalation, protecting civilians, preserving their lives as well as ensuring an immediate, safe, sustainable, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Monday upon the UAE’s request to be convened in light of Israel’s announcement that it is expanding ground operations in the Gaza Strip, urging the international community to remain resolute in ending this cycle of conflict.
The UAE reiterates that the continued lack of a political horizon risks catastrophic repercussions, and disregarding the potential consequences would lead to devastating outcomes for the prospects of peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement the attack was a “flagrant violation of international laws”.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack and said Jordan held Israel responsible for the dangerous development.
It also denounced Israel’s ongoing escalation of tension in the West Bank and Israeli settlers’ increasing attacks on Palestinian civilians.
It also called on the international community to assume its responsibility, stop the ongoing conflict, and provide international protection for Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia expressed its “complete rejection” of the Israeli Forces’ repeated “targeting of sites crowded with civilians,”
Israeli warplanes hit the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp on Tuesday. The Israel military said that one of the top Hamas leaders who was responsible for the October 7 assault was killed in the attack.
However, the Hamas has denied that a member was present in the camp during the airstrike. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem accused Israel of attempting to justify what he described as a “heinous crime against safe civilians, children, and women in Jabalya camp”.
After the attack, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said in a statement that more than 50 people were killed, approximately 150 others injured, and “dozens” of others buried under the rubble.
Jabalia is the largest of the Gaza Strip’s eight refugee camps, according to the UN.
Communications Blackout
Telecom firms in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday confirmed that the Hamas-controlled enclave has been hit by yet another communications blackout, with Internet services also down.
In a post on X, Palestine Telecommunications (Paltel) said: “We regret to announce a complete interruption of all communications and Internet services within the Gaza Strip, due to international routes that were previously reconnected being cut off again.”
Also in a social media post, the Jawwal Telecommunication Company confirmed that its cellphone services were currently down.
Meanwhile, Palestinian news outlets and the Hamas group on Telegram have also reported that communications with Gaza have been cut.
Communications have been repeatedly impacted in Gaza, with independent internet monitoring groups saying that recent blackouts have been the worst since the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7.
‘Humanitarian law cannot be applied selectively’
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said that he is “deeply alarmed” by the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. He asserted that “international humanitarian law is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively.”
“International humanitarian law establishes clear rules that cannot be ignored. It is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively. All parties must abide by it, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” Guterres said in a statement.
He reiterated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and humanitarian access to be granted consistently to meet the urgent needs created by the catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. Guterres urged all leaders to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid a “wider conflagration.”
He noted that people have borne the brunt of the current fighting from the outset. He called the protection of civilians on both sides “paramount” and stressed that it must be respected at all times.
Communications have been repeatedly impacted in Gaza, with independent internet monitoring groups saying that recent blackouts have been the worst since the ongoing war…reports Asian Lite News
Telecom firms in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday confirmed that the Hamas-controlled enclave has been hit by yet another communications blackout, with Internet services also down.
In a post on X, Palestine Telecommunications (Paltel) said: “We regret to announce a complete interruption of all communications and Internet services within the Gaza Strip, due to international routes that were previously reconnected being cut off again.”
Also in a social media post, the Jawwal Telecommunication Company confirmed that its cellphone services were currently down.
Meanwhile, Palestinian news outlets and the Hamas militant group on Telegram have also reported that communications with Gaza have been cut.
Communications have been repeatedly impacted in Gaza, with independent internet monitoring groups saying that recent blackouts have been the worst since the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7.
The IDF spokesperson said that Biari’s activities go back to before 2004 when he “masterminded” an attack in Ashdod that led to the killing of 13 Israelis…reports Asian Lite News
The Israel military on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the airstrike on the Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza, the largest in the besieged enclave, and said that one of the top Hamas leaders who was responsible for the October 7 assault was killed in the attack.
In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said: “IDF fighter jets eliminated Ibrahim Biari, Commander of Hamas’ Central Jabaliya Battalion. Biari was one of the leaders responsible for the murderous terror attack on October 7th.
“The strike damaged Hamas’ command and control in the area and eliminated a large number of terrorists who were with Biari. Additionally, underground terrorist infrastructure collapsed following the strike.
“The IDF reiterates its call to the residents of the area to move south for their safety.”
Jabalya is the largest of the Gaza Strip’s eight refugee camps, according to the UN.
Defending Tuesday’s airstrike which killed a large number of people and caused catastrophic damages, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said the refugee camp was targeted to kill Biari, who was “pivotal to the planning and the execution of the October 7 attack”.
“He was actively coordinating, orchestrating, and leading combat activities against the IDF as he was targeted,” CNN quoted Conricus as saying to reporters.
The IDF spokesperson said that Biari’s activities go back to before 2004 when he “masterminded” an attack in Ashdod that led to the killing of 13 Israelis.
“Dozens” of Hamas combatants were also killed in Tuesday’s strike when underground tunnels beneath the camp collapsed, Conricus said, adding that the IDF is still working to obtain a precise number of casualties.
“I understand that that is also the reason why there are many reports of collateral damage and non-combatant casualties. We’re looking into those as well,” Conricus said.
Conricus said they are working to determine the number of civilians who were also killed in the strike, adding that the IDF had considered all factors when making the strike “including the possibilities of non-combatants being affected”.
The spokesperson noted that the military had notified civilians to leave the area through the distribution of leaflets, messages on social media and radio dispatches, CNN reported.
“I want to emphasize the strike was on a military target of significant military importance to the battlefield and for us to be able to be able to obtain our military objectives. That is why it was struck,” Conricus said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF said that its troops on the ground had targeted a Hamas terrorist stronghold in Jabaliya “used for training and execution of terrorism activities”.
“During the ground activity, the troops eliminated approx. 50 terrorists, as well as destroyed entrances to terrorist tunnels and weapons,” it said on X.
Meanwhile, the Hamas has denied that a member was present in the camp during the aistrike.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem accused Israel of attempting to justify what he described as a “heinous crime against safe civilians, children, and women in Jabalya camp”.
According to the Gaza-based Interior Ministry, at least 20 homes were completely flattened as a result of the strike.
However, the number of casualties were not immediately confirmed.
Multiple Arab nations have condemned the airstrike on the Jabaliya camp.
While Jordan held “Israel, the occupying power responsible for this dangerous development”, Saudi Arabia “affirmed that the dangerous humanitarian conditions resulting from the continuous escalation cannot be justified at all”, reports CNN.
Iran “condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric attack” and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) warned that “indiscriminate attacks will result in irreparable ramifications in the region”.
Egypt and Jordan Denounce Attack on Refugee Camp
Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit has strongly condemned the deadly Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
In a statement on Tuesday, the AL chief said that it was “a new crime” in Gaza and that the international community should no longer remain silent, Xinhua news agency reported.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement the attack was a “flagrant violation of international laws”.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack and said Jordan held Israel responsible for the dangerous development.
It also denounced Israel’s ongoing escalation of tension in the West Bank and Israeli settlers’ increasing attacks on Palestinian civilians.
It also called on the international community to assume its responsibility, stop the ongoing conflict, and provide international protection for Palestinians.
Israeli warplanes hit the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp on Tuesday. After the attack, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said in a statement that more than 50 people were killed, approximately 150 others injured, and “dozens” of others buried under the rubble.
Toward the end of his opening statement, Blinken drifted away from his prepared script to address the protesters directly…reports Asian Lite News
Multiple anti-war protesters demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip repeatedly interrupted a US Senate hearing held on the administration’s massive budget request for funding Israel and Ukraine amid the ongoing wars in the two nations.
The Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday, attended by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin as witnesses giving testimonies, was interrupted at least six times by the anti-war protesters, who called for an end to the brutality and condemned the US for “aiding the massacre”, reports Xinhua news agency
Minutes into Blinken’s opening remarks, a man in the audience was heard shouting “ceasefire now”. “save the children of Gaza” and “Where is your pride, America?” before he was escorted out of the room by Capitol Police.
Shortly after, Blinken was again cut off mid-speech, as several protesters were heard yelling at him and committee members.
“Ceasefire now!” they said. “Let Gaza live!”
In addition to those expressing their anger verbally, some other protesters in the audience raised their red-stained hands in the air, indicating that President Joe Biden’s administration had blood on its hands as it reiterated time and again its solidarity with Israel.
“The US is supporting a brutal massacre,” a female protester was heard lashing out during one of the disruptions.
“Not one senator is calling for a ceasefire! Shame on you all! Ceasefire now. Stop funding this brutal massacre,” she continued even when forced by the police to leave the room.
Blinken resumed his testimony each time one protester was evicted, only to be interrupted again by the ensuing protests.
He said the funding, totaling $106 billion, will support Israel and Ukraine in their respective wars with the Hamas and Russia; ameliorate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza; help Washington outcompete its strategic rivals; and strengthen the protection of Americans’ security at home.
Toward the end of his opening statement, Blinken drifted away from his prepared script to address the protesters directly.
“I also hear very much the passions expressed in this room and outside this room,” the Secretary said, adding while the Biden administration is “determined” to see the sufferings of Gazans end, it is nonetheless “imperative” for the US to “resolutely” stand up with allies and partners.
Austin, who spoke from the perspective of the Pentagon following Blinken’s speech, said that by submitting the urgent supplemental budget request, the administration is asking Congress to “help fund America’s national security needs, stand by our partners, and invest in our defense industrial base”.
At one point during the question-and-answer session with the senators, Blinken said now is not the time to enforce a ceasefire, for doing so would play into the hands of Hamas, enabling them to “potentially repeat” the attacks on innocent Israeli civilians on October 7.
At the hearing, B linken and Austin are lobbied for lawmakers to support President Biden’s national security package, which also includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine’s defence; $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance; $2 billiom for Indo-Pacific security; and $10.9 billion for southern border security and migrant issues.
Israeli tanks and military vehicles pushed two miles into Gaza as part of their expanded operations….reports Asian Lite News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shocked the world, stating Israel would not agree to a ceasefire, saying “This is a time for war” drawing parallel with the US military action after 9/11 and Pearl Harbour attack.
Israeli tanks and military vehicles pushed two miles into Gaza city as part of their expanded operations, even as relief aid groups claimed that civil order is breaking down in the territory while hospitals said it is next to impossible to comply with the evacuation orders on patients.
Israel’s military killed dozens of Hamas fighters Monday overnight striking targets in northern Gaza as its expanded ground operations in the enclave moved rapidly. Israeli media showed the country’s troops atop a hotel about two miles into the Gaza Strip, media reports said.
“I want to make clear Israel’s position regarding the ceasefire. Just as the US would not agree to a ceasefire after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, or after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the horrific attacks of October 7,” Netanyahu said.
“Calls for a ceasefire or calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorists, surrender to barbarism, that will not happen,” he said, adding, while the Bible says there is a time for peace, “This is a time for war.”
When asked if he has considered stepping down, Netanyahu said the only thing he would resign is Hamas. “We’re going to resign them to the dustbin of history. That’s my goal. That’s my responsibility,” he added.
The UN warned “civil order” was breaking down in Gaza after weeks of siege and bombardment, with people breaking into warehouses to grab all essentials for their survival.
US President Joe Biden pushed Netanyahu on Sunday to “immediately and significantly” scale up the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the White House said.
The US is pushing Israel to “ensure that communication networks in Gaza remain operational,” as well as to restore essential services of water and fuel, a State Department spokesperson said.
“We made clear to the government of Israel over the weekend that communications networks need to be restored, and we are pleased that they took steps to do that,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing.
Miller also said the US is “making progress” on ensuring fuel deliveries to Gaza.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu pushed back against reports that Israel was inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian people in its pursuit of Hamas, saying the group was preventing civilians from moving to the safe zone in southern Gaza.
“Hamas is preventing them from leaving, keeping them in areas of conflict. So I think you should direct your questions to Hamas,” Netanyahu told a reporter at a news conference on Monday.
Netanyahu added Israel has been trying to prevent civilian casualties by calling for civilians in Gaza to move to a safe zone in the south and providing humanitarian support.
Around 150 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza since the gate opened last week, US says.
A total number of 150 aid trucks have made it through the Rafah crossing into Gaza since the gate opened last week, according to the US State Department. A total of 45 aid trucks went through on Sunday — the most since the gate opened, it added.
“We aim to surpass that number today, tomorrow and beyond,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Miller added the US would “continue our relentless diplomatic efforts in partnership with Israel, Egypt, the United Nations and international humanitarian partners” to increase “daily deliveries of food, water and medical supplies into Gaza”.
Prior to October 7, there were 450 trucks going into Gaza daily, said Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, in a press briefing last week.
She added the trucks were facing delays due to screening, technical, security and political issues.
New Israeli leaflets dropped on Gaza urge civilians to evacuate a “battlefield”. Israeli aircraft have dropped new leaflets in Arabic over Gaza, warning people in northern and central parts of the strip that “the governorate of Gaza has become a battlefield”.
“Shelters in the north of the Gaza Strip and the governorate of Gaza have become unsafe,” according to the leaflet, an image of which CNN said it saw.
Prior to October 7, there were 450 trucks going into Gaza daily, said Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, in a press briefing last week…reports Asian Lite News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shocked the world on Monday, stating Israel would not agree to a ceasefire, saying “This is a time for war” drawing parallel with the US military action after 9/11 and Pearl Harbour attack.
Israel ground forces pushed two miles into Hamas-occupied Gaza for crushing the terror organisation holding some 232 hostages of various nationalities, according to reports reaching here from Tel Aviv.
Israel’s military killed dozens of Hamas fighters Monday overnight striking targets in northern Gaza as its expanded ground operations in the enclave moved rapidly. Israeli media showed the country’s troops atop a hotel about two miles into the Gaza Strip, media reports said.
Netanyahu made clear on Monday that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire, drawing parallels to the US’ position after Pearl Harbour in 1941 and the September 11 terror attacks in 2001.
“I want to make clear Israel’s position regarding the ceasefire. Just as the US would not agree to a ceasefire after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, or after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the horrific attacks of October 7,” he said.
“Calls for a ceasefire or calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorists, surrender to barbarism, that will not happen,” he said, adding, while the Bible says there is a time for peace, “This is a time for war.”
Benjamin Netanyahu
When asked if he has considered stepping down, Netanyahu said the only thing he would resign is Hamas.
“We’re going to resign them to the dustbin of history. That’s my goal. That’s my responsibility,” he added.
The UN warned “civil order” was breaking down in Gaza after weeks of siege and bombardment, with people breaking into warehouses to grab all essentials for their survival.
US President Joe Biden pushed Netanyahu on Sunday to “immediately and significantly” scale up the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the White House said.
Hamas has released a video showing three women who are believed to be captives held by the Palestinian militant group since its terror attack on Israel on October 7. The video comes just days after Israeli leaders dismissed talks of progress in hostage negotiations, CNN reporters from the battlefield in Gaza said.
The US is pushing Israel to “ensure that communication networks in Gaza remain operational,” as well as to restore essential services of water and fuel, a State Department spokesperson said.
“We made clear to the government of Israel over the weekend that communications networks need to be restored, and we are pleased that they took steps to do that,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing.
Miller also said the US is “making progress” on ensuring fuel deliveries to Gaza.
Netanyahu rejects claims of civilian casualties in Gaza: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back against reports that Israel was inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian people in its pursuit of Hamas, saying the group was preventing civilians from moving to the safe zone in southern Gaza.
“Hamas is preventing them from leaving, keeping them in areas of conflict. So I think you should direct your questions to Hamas,” Netanyahu told a reporter at a news conference on Monday.
Netanyahu added Israel has been trying to prevent civilian casualties by calling for civilians in Gaza to move to a safe zone in the south and providing humanitarian support.
“We have to do everything we can to minimise civilian casualties, but we cannot give up the fight,” he said, saying the future of his countries and other “civilised countries” depend on it.
Around 150 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza since the gate opened last week, US says.
A total number of 150 aid trucks have made it through the Rafah crossing into Gaza since the gate opened last week, according to the US State Department. A total of 45 aid trucks went through on Sunday — the most since the gate opened, it added.
“We aim to surpass that number today, tomorrow and beyond,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Miller added the US would “continue our relentless diplomatic efforts in partnership with Israel, Egypt, the United Nations and international humanitarian partners” to increase “daily deliveries of food, water and medical supplies into Gaza”.
Prior to October 7, there were 450 trucks going into Gaza daily, said Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, in a press briefing last week.
She added the trucks were facing delays due to screening, technical, security and political issues.
New Israeli leaflets dropped on Gaza urge civilians to evacuate a “battlefield”. Israeli aircraft have dropped new leaflets in Arabic over Gaza, warning people in northern and central parts of the strip that “the governorate of Gaza has become a battlefield”.
“Shelters in the north of the Gaza Strip and the governorate of Gaza have become unsafe,” according to the leaflet, an image of which CNN said it saw.
“Hamas and the terrorist organisations are using the shelters, hospitals and schools in this area. Therefore, your presence in these places is not safe,” the flier continued.
“You must immediately evacuate and move to the humanitarian area to the south of Wadi Gaza,” the leaflet said.
An Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas has been released, IDF says.
A female Israeli soldier who had been kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 has been released during ground operations in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday.
“Overnight, the soldier PVT Ori Megidish was released during IDF ground operations,” the IDF said in a statement, adding, “the soldier was medically checked, is doing well, and has met with her family.”
