In defiance of international calls for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to persist in the conflict against Hamas. At least 19 more lives lost in Gaza, as claimed by Hamas-controlled health ministry. Two individuals were reportedly killed in Israeli attacks on Jenin, a West Bank city controlled by the Palestinian Authority.
USA Takes a Stance
Despite traditionally being a close ally of Israel, the United States voiced criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza at the UN General Assembly. Joe Biden accused Israel of "indiscriminate" bombardment, a rare and harsh criticism from the U.S. president. Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, was scheduled to meet with Netanyahu, with Sullivan stating that Israel must reduce the intensity of its attacks prior to the meeting.
Dubious Bombing Tactics
Reports from CNN suggested that a significant percentage of bombs dropped by Israel on the Gaza Strip were lacking guidance systems. The use of such unguided bombs may pose a threat to civilians as they are less accurate than precision-guided munitions.
Hamas Counterattacks
Conversely, Hamas was accused of using civilians as human shields, as Israeli armed forces found weapons depots and tunnels in schools and civilian areas. Despite the Israeli military's efforts to avoid civilian casualties, Hamas continues to fire rockets from the "humanitarian zone" in Gaza, which is intended to protect civilians but has been disregarded by Hamas.
Alarming Humanitarian Situation
As the situation in the Gaza Strip worsens, Chadija al-Sharafi, a displaced individual living in the area, expressed concern for her children as they are exposed to the adverse weather conditions caused by heavy rainfall and lack proper clothing. Almost 1.9 million people have been displaced due to the conflict, and many are forced to sleep in the open.
Rising Popularity of Hamas
According to a new survey by the Palestinian polling institute PCPSR, 78% of Palestinians would vote for Ismail Hanijeh, the leader of Hamas. The surge in support for Hanijeh before the war began saw a 20% increase from 58%.
Further Reading
- International parties call for a stop to the conflict in Gaza Strip, yet Israel continues with its war against Hamas.
- Hamas-controlled health ministry reports 19 new casualties; two Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Jenin.
- Criticizing Israel's military actions in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden accused Israel of "indiscriminate" attacks at the UN General Assembly.
- Upcoming meeting between Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Sullivan expresses hope for Israeli military de-escalation.
- ABC News reports that over 40% of the bombs dropped by Israel on Gaza Strip lacked guidance systems, increasing the risk of harm to civilians.
- Israel accuses Hamas of exploiting civilians as human shields as discovered weapons depots and tunnels in schools and other civilian areas.
- begun its major attacks on Israel following the 7 October 2025, incident, which resulted in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
- Over 18,000 lives reportedly lost since the beginning of the Israeli military offensive according to Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, although the figure cannot be independently verified.
- In light of the conflict, dramatic food shortages and crises in the Gaza Strip forced families to fight for survival when rescue trucks arrived with much-needed supplies.
- Israeli armed forces report that Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel from the "humanitarian zone," which is intended to protect civilians but is being ignored by Hamas.
- Chadija al-Sharafi, a displaced individual in the Gaza Strip, fears for the safety of her children due to the deteriorating weather conditions accompanying the onset of winter and lack of proper winter clothing.
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Additional Enrichment Insights:
- Opposition leaders in Israel have called for the immediate end to the conflict and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement.
- Egyptian mediators have worked extensively to broker a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, but progress has been limited due to continued violence and hostility.
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has launched campaigns to offer assistance and supplies to the affected populations in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, despite challenges in delivering humanitarian aid due to ongoing violence and restrictions.
- Turkey and Qatar have provided emergency medical aid and humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza, demonstrating international efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict.
- A number of international organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for investigations into alleged war crimes and human rights violations committed by both Israel and Hamas during the conflict.
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