GAZA/JERUSALEM- US President Joe Biden has said aid is not getting in “fast enough" and Secretary of State Blinken has suggested a "humanitarian pause" in the conflict. Some aid trucks have entered the blockaded strip but aid agencies continue to warn of a catastrophic situation, especially in hospitals overflowing with the injured. More than 200 hostages abducted by Hamas are still being held in Gaza - four have so far been freed. UN chief Antonio Guterres said he is "deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza".
In a desperate bid to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the United States and Russia have jointly called for an immediate pause in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The conflict, now entering its third week, has left a staggering toll on the Palestinian population. According to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, a shocking 704 Palestinians, including 305 children, were killed in a single day, marking the highest reported death toll since the conflict erupted.
Amidst this devastating situation, international leaders are scrambling to prevent the conflict from further escalation, especially in a region crucial to global energy supplies. U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged in talks, focusing on diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability and prevent the conflict from spreading. Deadly clashes have intensified not only between the Israeli military and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank but also between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah armed group along the Israeli-Lebanon border.
Iran, a key player in the region, supports both Hezbollah and Hamas and has sternly warned Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza. Israel, in response, continues its military operations, targeting various entities. Israeli forces faced an attack in the occupied West Bank, leading to casualties among Palestinians. Additionally, Israel targeted a group of Hamas divers attempting to enter Israel by sea.
Amid these developments, the United States has advised Israel to delay a planned ground assault to focus on securing the release of over 200 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. However, President Biden emphasized that Israel is making its independent decisions in this regard.
On the humanitarian front, efforts to provide aid to the besieged Gaza Strip are intensifying. The U.S. and Russia have presented rival plans for humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. While the U.S. proposes temporary pauses in the conflict for aid delivery, Russia advocates for a comprehensive humanitarian ceasefire. The international community, especially Arab states, is urging the United Nations Security Council to swiftly implement an unconditional ceasefire.
Hospitals in Gaza are in a critical state, running out of fuel and essential supplies. Patients are exhibiting signs of diseases due to overcrowding and poor sanitation in temporary shelters, where over 1.4 million people have sought refuge.
In the midst of these challenges, Qatar, in coordination with the U.S., is leading mediation talks between Hamas and Israel for the release of hostages. Hamas has released a few hostages, but the situation remains precarious, adding to the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution amid the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in the region.