In a dramatic turn of events, Israel has called for the resignation of UN Secretary General António Guterres. This demand comes in response to Guterres’ recent statement where he referred to the “appalling attacks” by Hamas on October 7 and cautioned against the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people.” The Israeli government, led by Ambassador Gilad Erdan, expressed shock and dissatisfaction with Guterres’ speech, accusing him of being disconnected from the regional reality and viewing the situation in an immoral manner.
Guterres, in his remarks at a UN Security Council meeting in New York, emphasized the urgency of an immediate ceasefire and warned of the potential for the conflict to spread to other parts of the region. He pointed out that the recent hostilities did not occur in isolation but were the result of decades of occupation experienced by the Palestinian people.
Riyad al-Maliki, the Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, voiced his concerns about the UN Security Council’s inaction in the face of what he described as “deliberate and systematic” Israeli actions against the Palestinian civilian population under illegal occupation. He called for international intervention to halt the ongoing violence.
The United States and Russia have presented competing proposals at the United Nations to assist Palestinian civilians. While both nations aim to address shortages of essential supplies in Gaza, they differ in their approach. The US advocates for humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid delivery, while Russia seeks a comprehensive humanitarian ceasefire.
As the conflict continues, the Gaza Health Ministry, under the control of Hamas, reported that Israeli airstrikes had resulted in hundreds of casualties, predominantly women and children. Hospitals in Gaza are struggling due to shortages of water, fuel for generators, and the overwhelming number of casualties, making it increasingly difficult to provide medical care.
Israel intensified its airstrikes on Gaza, launching 400 strikes in a single day, with a focus on eliminating Hamas commanders, targeting militants preparing to fire rockets, and striking key command centers. The Israeli military also reported thwarting an attempted underwater infiltration by Hamas near the Gaza-Israel border.
Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza faced logistical challenges. While some aid trucks were allowed into Gaza, the process was criticized for being too slow by US President Joe Biden.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of sending humanitarian aid to Palestine and called for the protection of Palestinian civilians.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a warning to Hezbollah in Lebanon, threatening “horrible consequences” if they entered the conflict in a significant manner. He reiterated the goal of destroying Hamas and suggested that the conflict might continue for some time.
In a joint appearance with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu highlighted the common fight against terrorism, emphasizing the need to combat terrorism with rules and without mercy.
As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, US officials are developing contingency plans for the evacuation of Americans from the region should the conflict expand beyond Gaza. This proactive planning is seen as essential to ensure the safety of American citizens.
The release of an 85-year-old woman, Yocheved Lifshitz, who was held captive by Hamas, shed light on the ordeal faced by individuals affected by the conflict. She described being captured, beaten, and forced to walk before being held in tunnels.
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