US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, announced a devastating toll of at least 25 American lives lost during a Hamas attack in Israel. Blinken, on a visit to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel, emphasized Washington’s collaborative efforts with Israel to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
In a joint statement alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken termed his visit as a tangible testament to America’s unequivocal backing of Israel. He went further to draw parallels between Hamas and the Islamic State militant group, echoing Netanyahu’s assertion that, “Just as ISIS was defeated, Hamas will meet the same fate.”
Blinken reassured the audience of continued American support, underscoring the commitment to protect Israel from external threats. Additionally, he endorsed Netanyahu’s decision to establish a unity cabinet involving political opponents in the midst of the crisis. Blinken also made it clear that the United States recognizes that Hamas does not represent the genuine aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Blinken’s upcoming visit to Jordan to meet King Abdullah and Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, is set for the next day. The Palestinian Authority, operating with limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, is known for its opposition to Hamas. Abbas, however, has refrained from directly condemning the attacks on Israel and attributes the escalation to the neglect of Palestinian grievances.
In Gaza, amidst the destruction and a near-total power outage, Palestinians queued up outside bakeries and grocery stores, grappling with the dire situation. Israel had launched fresh airstrikes and hinted at the possibility of a ground invasion.
As the conflict continues to claim lives on both sides, international aid organizations sounded the alarm about the mounting death toll in Gaza. Israel’s suspension of food, water, fuel, and electricity deliveries, coupled with the closure of Gaza’s border with Egypt, raised concerns. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned of dire consequences due to the lack of electricity in hospitals, affecting crucial medical services.
The United Nations disclosed that over 340,000 Gazans had been rendered homeless, with nearly 220,000 finding refuge in 92 UN-operated schools. Tragic stories emerged, such as that of Hanan Al-Attar, a 14-year-old who lost her uncle when their home was struck by bombs.
The Israeli military stated its readiness for a ground maneuver should political leaders give the order, though such an operation in densely populated Gaza would likely result in higher casualties during house-to-house combat.
In a remarkable show of unity, Israeli reservists, including those abroad, were joining the battle. Hamas’s relentless rocket attacks and the estimated 150 people held hostage by militants further escalated the situation. Israel’s Energy Minister, Israel Katz, asserted that nothing would be allowed into Gaza until the captives were released.
