RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has condemned the ongoing “Israeli aggression” on Gaza, urging for an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian enclave, Al Jazeera reported citing Al-Ekhbariya TV.
GCC in a statement, expressed rejection of any justifications for the continuation of Israeli aggression against Gaza and called on the international community to respond to the actions of the Israeli government, particularly its policy of collective punishment against Palestinian civilians, Al Jazeera reported.
“We express our rejection of any justifications and pretexts for the continuation of the Israeli aggression against Gaza,” the statement added. “We call on the international community to take the necessary measures to respond to the practices of the Israeli government and its policy of collective punishment against civilians.”
Meanwhile, criticism arose from Palestinians over the United States’ airdrop of food aid into Gaza, deeming it inadequate and hypocritical given US funding and support for Israel’s military.
In a tragic turn of events, Israeli forces bombed a residential building in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 Palestinians and trapping many others under the rubble. This attack followed an earlier drone strike on tents housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah, which claimed the lives of at least 11 people.
Witnesses reported that the building struck in Rafah was housing civilians, including Palestinians displaced by Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. Among the casualties were six children, with dozens more wounded.
Rescue efforts were hindered by limited resources and fuel shortages, making it difficult to operate search and rescue equipment. Rescue workers faced challenges in accessing heavy equipment to aid in the extraction of victims from the rubble.
Additionally, air attacks were reported in the southern city of Khan Younis, as well as on the Jabalia and Nuseirat refugee camps in the north and central parts of the Gaza Strip. While casualties were reported in Jabalia and Nuseirat, an exact toll was not provided by the Wafa news agency.
Gaza Truce Talks Begin in Cairo
Egypt on Sunday hosted envoys from the United States, Qatar and Hamas for talks on a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group, the latest diplomatic effort as Gaza officials reported more deadly Israeli bombardment in the nearly five-month-old aggression.
A senior official from Hamas told AFP that discussions will center on a proposal for a six-week ceasefire, following reports of broad acceptance by Israel of its terms.
However, as diplomatic negotiations unfold, Gaza continues to witness relentless Israeli violence, with the health ministry reporting at least 90 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours. Among the casualties were 14 family members, whose house in the southern Rafah refugee camp had been hit. The deceased included twin babies Naeem and Wissam Abu Anza, buried amidst scenes of heart-wrenching grief.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has exacerbated, with at least 16 children succumbing to malnutrition in recent days. Efforts to address the dire situation are further hindered by dwindling relief supplies, prompting the United States to conduct its first airdrop of aid.
While international pressure mounts for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access, the situation remains dire on the ground. Pope Francis has called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Several foreign leaders have demanded an investigation into the Israeli forces storming of an aid truck, which the Gaza health ministry said resulted in the deaths of 116 Palestinian civilians.
The ministry said Israeli forces shot civilians, but the Israeli army insisted most died in a stampede or crush. The aid convoy deaths pushed the war death toll in Gaza to at least 30,410, mostly women and children, the health ministry said Sunday.
