GAZA: The Israeli military intensified its operations in the Gaza Strip, resulting in a near-blackout of information as they targeted communication infrastructure in the latest airstrikes.
The latest airstrikes disrupted internet and communication services, cutting off millions of Gaza’s residents from the outside world.
The conflict has seen a high death toll among Palestinians, with over 7,300 casualties, while more than 110 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank.
Huge Protest Outside US Embassy in Indonesia Urges End to War in Gaza
Protests and demonstrations against Israel’s indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza that killed over 7300 Palestinians with large numbers of children and women were being held globally. In Indonesia, thousands marched to the US Embassy in Jakarta, demanding an end to the Gaza bombardment.
In New York City, hundreds of protesters wearing black T-shirts gathered at Grand Central Terminal to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some protesters were detained by police during the demonstration, and the scene resembled a similar sit-in in Washington DC the previous week.
The protesters demanded an end to the violence, and their message was clear: “cease-fire now.”
Israel Airstrikes Shatter the Night Sky Over Gaza
Explosions from Israeli airstrikes illuminated the night sky over Gaza, and the conflict has led to severe humanitarian challenges. A United Nations resolution called for a “humanitarian truce,” but challenges remain as fuel supplies dwindle, impacting medical services, particularly neonatal care.
The Israeli army announced that its ground forces were expanding their operations in Gaza, bringing the situation closer to a full-scale ground invasion. Pope Francis led prayers for regions affected by war, emphasizing the danger of the ongoing conflict.
Gaza’s Hospitals Struggle to Keep Neonatal Units Running
Gaza’s largest hospital conditions are deteriorating rapidly due to a lack of essential supplies like fuel, food, water, and electricity. The neonatal unit is particularly affected, with premature babies in incubators struggling for care.
The hospital’s staff faces significant challenges in maintaining hygiene and treating the influx of displaced civilians from Israeli airstrikes.
With approximately 50,000 pregnant women in the conflict area, the situation is dire, and if fuel runs out, neonatal intensive care units will be severely impacted, making planned or emergency operations impossible, warns the United Nations Population Fund.
Deadliest Period for Journalists Covering Israel-Hamas Conflict
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that the past three weeks have been the deadliest for journalists covering the Israel-Hamas conflict since 1992. They noted that at least 29 journalists have died, including 24 Palestinians, four Israelis, and one Lebanese. Eight other journalists were injured, and nine were reported missing or detained. The CPJ expressed concern over the blackout of communication services in Gaza, as it hinders the public’s ability to access accurate information, potentially leading to the spread of misinformation. The organization emphasized the need to protect journalists as civilians under international humanitarian law.
