US Officials in Meeting with Israeli Adviser
TL/DR –
An adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza, the return of hostages held by Hamas, and escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The war continues to have devastating effects, with the Health Ministry in Gaza reporting that about 20,600 Palestinians have been killed while 1.9 million people have been displaced across the area. The conflict persists in spite of calls for a ceasefire and ongoing peace talks, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that Israel is in a “multi-arena war.”
Israeli Adviser Meets US Officials as Gaza Conflict Intensifies
An adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, met Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other U.S. officials on Tuesday to discuss the escalating Gaza conflict, increased tensions with Hezbollah, and calls for a cease-fire.
This meeting happened one day after Netanyahu pledged to continue the war until Hamas is defeated. Civilians in Gaza have been under intense bombardment since the weekend, with accounts of shelling and airstrikes in central Gaza reported to the Associated Press.
World Health Organization’s Director General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, reported “harrowing accounts” of strikes in central Gaza. Palestinian health authorities reported 70 deaths on Monday, while Al-Aqsa Hospital staff received around 100 casualties, according to Ghebreyesus.
Gaza Conflict Casualties
The Health Ministry in Gaza reports an estimated 20,600 Palestinian casualties from the Israel-Hamas war and the displacement of 1.9 million people. Israeli troop deaths rose to 156, and an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. Additionally, an estimated 240 were taken hostage.
Developments include a communications blackout in Gaza, missile strikes on a northern Israel church, and artillery shelling on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society headquarters. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 76 children were among 293 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7, marking 2023 as the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2005.
Israel in ‘Multi-Arena War’
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Tuesday that Israel is facing attacks from seven fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. He emphasized that anyone acting against Israel is a potential target.
Proposed Ceasefire Rejected by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Leaders of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad rejected an Egypt-proposed ceasefire deal that would have required them to give up power in Gaza. They were unwilling to discuss any concessions beyond a potential release of hostages and a de-escalation of Israeli military operations, according to a Reuters report.
US Airstrikes on Iranian-Backed Groups in Iraq
On Monday, President Joe Biden signed off on airstrikes on three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq, in response to a series of drone attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. stated that they are prepared to take further necessary measures to protect personnel and facilities.
WHO Concern Over Gaza Hospitals’ Strain
WHO official Ghebreyesus expressed concern about the escalating hostilities’ strain on the hospitals across Gaza. Al-Aqsa Hospital is currently overwhelmed with wounded Palestinians, operating beyond its capacity, and struggling to handle the influx of patients.
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