In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected any calls for a humanitarian pause. This announcement comes as the conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in intense hostilities.
The refusal to consider a humanitarian pause was conveyed to United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on his third visit to Israel since the conflict erupted last month. Blinken is currently in the region to mediate discussions between the two sides and explore possible avenues for a ceasefire.
The conflict, which began after Hamas initiated attacks on Israeli towns on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 9,227 Palestinians and foreigners have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes. Simultaneously, in the occupied West Bank, more than 140 Palestinians have lost their lives in the violence and Israeli raids.
Israeli troops have further intensified their encirclement of Gaza City, leading to ongoing battles with Hamas militants and widespread destruction from airstrikes. The situation has taken a grim turn with reports of an Israeli airstrike targeting an ambulance used for evacuating wounded individuals from besieged northern Gaza, resulting in the death of 15 people and injuring 60 others. Israeli military sources allege that the ambulance was being used by a Hamas terrorist cell to transfer militants and weapons, which has further escalated tensions.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed shock at reports of attacks on ambulances evacuating patients near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. He stressed the need for the protection of patients, health workers, medical facilities, and ambulances, urging all parties to respect these vital humanitarian principles.
Despite these dire circumstances, Israel has shown a resolute stance, with Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizing that a humanitarian pause would only be considered if hostages held by Hamas were released. This condition adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also scheduled to meet with leaders in Jordan as part of his regional visit. The aim of these diplomatic efforts is to broker a ceasefire and bring an end to the devastating conflict, which has taken a heavy toll on civilians in the region.
In addition to diplomatic negotiations, the White House has confirmed that the US Embassy in Cairo is assisting more than 100 US citizens and their family members in leaving the Gaza Strip. Efforts are being made to ensure the safe departure of American citizens from the conflict zone.
The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the hope of achieving a cessation of hostilities and restoring peace to the region.
Read Now:Nepal Earthquake: India Offers Solidarity and Assistance After 6.4 Magnitude Quake Claims Lives
