The Israeli army announced on Saturday evening, October 21, that it planned to “intensify” its bombing campaign on Gaza in preparation for the next phase of its offensive on Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory. “From today we will increase the attacks (…),” said General Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israeli army. Israeli bombings of Gaza continued on Saturday, while rocket fire from Palestinian groups continued to target Israel. Follow our live stream.
The first humanitarian aid convoy arrives in Gaza. According to the United Nations, twenty humanitarian aid trucks crossed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Palestinian enclave. Since the full siege of the Gaza Strip began, some 2.4 million residents have lacked medicine, water, food and fuel.
“Gaza residents need much more,” the UN said. The United Nations Secretary-General spoke from Cairo, Egypt, where he is attending a “Summit for Peace.” “The residents of the Gaza Strip need much more, a massive delivery of aid is necessary,” said Antonio Guterres. According to the United Nations, the number of trucks allowed to deliver medical and food aid to the Gaza Strip must be increased to 100 per day.
Israel calls on its nationals to leave Egypt and Jordan. Israel on Saturday urged its citizens in Egypt and Jordan to leave “as soon as possible” due to a “worsening of anti-Israel protests.” A similar warning, Level 4, the highest, has already been issued for Turkey and the advisories have been raised to Level 3 for Morocco, discouraging Israelis from traveling there.
“Peace rallies” in several French cities. Around a hundred people gathered in the Old Port of Marseille on Saturday morning for a rally for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Similar demonstrations took place in Rouen and Le Havre (Seine-Maritime) in the afternoon, reports France Bleu Normandie.