Hamas, which rules Gaza, says Israeli bombings have killed more than 8,000 people, mostly civilians. Authorities say more than 1,400 people have died in Israel since October 7, mostly civilians killed on the day of the Hamas attack.
The United States, Israel’s main backer, called on its ally to “use all measures at its disposal to distinguish between Hamas.” […] and civilians,” said a White House adviser.
Little help
Since October 9, Israel has imposed a “total siege” on the Gaza Strip, even though the area was already under Israeli blockade. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, ten humanitarian aid trucks were able to enter through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday, bringing the number of such vehicles arriving since October 21 to 94. In this 360 m² area, home to 2.4 million inhabitants, it would be 100 per day.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has warned of a breakdown in “public order” as a result of the looting of food aid warehouses and distribution centers.
For Benjamin Netanyahu, the goal of this war is “clear: to destroy the military capabilities and leadership of Hamas,” which he describes as a “terrorist” organization like the United States and the European Union, and “to bring the hostages home.” ”
The hostages’ relatives are increasingly dissatisfied with the “absolute uncertainty” they face, said Haim Rubinstein, their spokesman. Four women have been released so far. Hamas estimates the number of hostages killed in the bombings to be “nearly 50.”
Israel’s defense minister on Sunday accused Hamas of “psychologically manipulating” the hostages after the Palestinian movement said it was ready to release them in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, about 5,200 Palestinians are imprisoned by Israel.
“Red lines”
The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that the Israeli army had repeatedly bombed the area around one of its hospitals in Gaza, causing damage and endangering patients and the thousands of civilians who had sought refuge there. Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals to hide weapons or fighters, something the Palestinian movement denies.
The international community fears a regional conflagration, particularly on the border between Israel and Lebanon, where tensions rose on Sunday compared to previous exchanges of fire between the Israeli army and the powerful Hezbollah movement since October 7.
Tensions are also high in the occupied West Bank, where five Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on Sunday, according to the Palestinian Authority Health Ministry. Since October 7, more than 110 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.