GAZA CITY: Israel targeted Gaza with air strikes on Tuesday as world powers grappled with how to broker a comprehensive ceasefire ahead of a UN Security Council vote that was expected to be blocked by a US veto. A total of 103 Palestinian people were killed in the past 24 hours of Israeli strikes and ground assault in the besieged Palestinian territory, Gaza Strip’s health ministry said.
The United Nations has issued warnings about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the risk of widespread child deaths due to food shortages. The ongoing conflict has left much of the territory in ruins, displaced three-quarters of its population, and pushed millions to the brink of famine.
Since October 7, at least 29,195 Palestinian people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the ongoing relentless Israeli bombardment in the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory’s health ministry said.
Despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire, attempts to reach a consensus have faltered. While most EU members have called for an “immediate humanitarian pause,” Hungary stands in dissent. The city of Rafah, which shelters nearly 1.5 million Palestinians and serves as a vital entry point for relief supplies, remains a focal point of concern.
Israel Refuses to Spare Rafah
Israel’s refusal to spare Rafah has drawn criticism, with warnings of further bloodshed if an invasion occurs during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts, including rival ceasefire proposals at the UN Security Council, have yielded little progress.
In Cairo, Palestinian resistance group Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh arrived for talks with Egyptian officials, aiming to halt the aggression and provide relief to civilians. However, previous mediation attempts have failed to secure a lasting truce.
The lack of headway in securing the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza has sparked protests in Israel, with calls for immediate action from decision-makers.
