In a renewed effort to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to return to the Middle East on Wednesday. The conflict, now in its sixth month, has raised global concerns, particularly regarding the looming threat of famine in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to eradicating Hamas following its October 7 attack, escalating the hostilities. The situation has worsened, with intense battles reported near Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital, where thousands of patients and displaced individuals seek refuge. Israel claims that Palestinian militants are using the hospital complex as a hideout.
Overnight airstrikes and clashes have claimed the lives of an additional 90 people, according to Gaza's health ministry, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to nearly 32,000. Civilians in Gaza endure harrowing experiences, such as the difficulty in distinguishing between thunderstorms and shelling, as shared by resident Oum Abdullah Alwan.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have resumed in Qatar this week, aiming to halt the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. United Nations agencies have sounded alarms about the imminent famine threat faced by Gaza's 2.4 million inhabitants, with UN rights chief Volker Turk accusing Israel of potentially using starvation as a weapon of war.
Secretary Blinken, expected to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, has emphasized the urgent need for addressing acute food insecurity in Gaza, affecting the entire population.
The United States, historically Israel's staunch ally, has expressed growing concerns over the humanitarian situation and Israel's proposed ground offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza. Talks between Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and US Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin are scheduled, focusing on hostage release, humanitarian aid delivery, and the safety of civilians sheltering in Rafah.
As the conflict persists, families of hostages held by Hamas protest for their release, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the crisis. Meanwhile, mediation efforts continue in Qatar, although no imminent agreement appears likely.
The conflict's toll remains devastating, with casualties on both sides and no immediate end in sight. Amid international pressure, Canada has announced a halt to arms shipments to Israel, further complicating the situation. Israel has condemned the decision, asserting its right to self-defense against Hamas.
As diplomatic efforts intensify and the humanitarian crisis worsens, the need for swift and decisive action to alleviate suffering and bring about peace becomes increasingly urgent.
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