The Israel-Hamas conflict has entered its fifth day, marked by a significant escalation in violence and a growing international response to address the crisis. The conflict has resulted in a devastating toll on both sides, with over 1,055 deaths (260 children and 230 women), and 5,184 wounded on the Palestinian side. Over 1,200 casualties have been reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes on Tuesday, targeting more than 200 locations in a Gaza City neighborhood. Meanwhile, in a historic move, Hamas fighters launched an attack on southern Israel, marking the deadliest Palestinian assault in Israel’s history.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that a ground offensive was imminent, resulting in the call-up of an unprecedented 300,000 reservists.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported extensive damage, including the destruction of over 22,600 residential units, 10 health facilities, and damage to 48 schools. Additionally, two senior Hamas members were killed in an airstrike, marking the first such casualties since the conflict began.
Reports also surfaced of Israeli forces deploying white phosphorus bombs in Gaza–raising concerns about the use of such munitions in the conflict–relating to the International Committee of the Red Cross’s parameters of International Humanitarian Law.
Gaza’s hospitals are grappling with shortages of critical supplies, including drugs, medical equipment, electricity, water, and fuel. The situation is dire, with some hospitals having just few days of fuel remaining.
The intensifying Israel-Hamas confrontation has exacerbated Gaza’s humanitarian situation. Critical utilities such as electricity and gas–along with food, water, and medical supplies–are under threat.
Gaza–home to two million people in the world’s most densely populated region–is already suffering from acute poverty and food insecurity. The scenario will worsen as the electrical supply runs out. Furthermore, the UN has de-operationalized all 14 food distribution centers in Gaza, affecting half a million people who rely on this assistance.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, journalists face imminent and severe danger. At least seven journalists have been killed, highlighting the perils they face in their efforts to enlighten the public.
The international community has been actively involved in responding to the crisis. The Israeli military has received its first shipment of “advanced” U.S. ammunition, highlighting the commitment to provide additional support. Additionally, Canada is preparing to evacuate its citizens from Israel with the assistance of the Canadian Armed Forces, while Germany has already evacuated a group of students enrolled in 17 classes.
Diplomatic efforts are also underway. U.S. President Biden has pledged unwavering support for Israel, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Israel for discussions with senior Israeli leaders on Thursday.
Concerns have escalated over the security of civilians in the region. The United States is exploring the possibility of establishing a safe passage for Gaza civilians, aiming to ensure their safety amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. It has also been reported that fourteen Americans have died, and others are missing.
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has arrived in Israel, aiming to demonstrate the UK’s solidarity with the Israeli people.
Tensions escalated on multiple fronts, with rockets fired from southern Lebanon into Israel, followed by Israeli shelling in response. Furthermore, shells launched from Syrian territory landed in open areas in Israel, leading to retaliatory fire and raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. The Lebanese group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing missiles at an Israeli military position.
Egypt has expressed willingness to send humanitarian aid into Gaza; however, at this time it has expressed reservations about opening its border to fleeing civilians. Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers held discussions on whether to continue aid payments to Palestinians, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell accusing Israel of breaking international law.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied involvement in the Hamas attack but expressed support for those causing damage to Gaza.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the conflict to US policy failures, while Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed his concern that the international community is now turning away from the war in Ukraine in the face of the “tragedy” that has befallen Israel following the Hamas attacks.