Gaza conflict reaches 200 days without de-escalation
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been going on for 200 days without any signs of de-escalation. Hamas continues to hold hostages, while Israel remains determined to secure their release. The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas militants killed around 1,170 people in southern Israel and kidnapped approximately 250 individuals.
In the last 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 32 Palestinians, bringing the total death toll to an alarming 34,183 since the start of the conflict. The international community, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is urging both sides to engage in negotiations to achieve a truce and secure the release of hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from within his own country to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza. Demonstrations have taken place outside his home, calling for action to end the conflict. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive against Rafah, a city bordering Egypt and considered a stronghold of Hamas.
However, there are concerns about a potential humanitarian catastrophe if Israel proceeds with its plans to evacuate civilians from Rafah to Khan Younis. The International Committee of the Red Cross has raised doubts about the feasibility of such an evacuation due to the level of destruction in Gaza. The UN warns that the 2.4 million inhabitants of Gaza are at risk of famine and calls for increased humanitarian aid.
Alongside this conflict, violence has also escalated along Israel’s border with Lebanon where clashes have occurred between Israeli army and Hezbollah militants. The situation remains volatile with no clear resolution in sight for ongoing conflicts in this region.
Overall, it seems that these conflicts are far from over as both sides remain entrenched in their positions and continue to cause harm to innocent civilians caught up in their crossfire.