Israeli tanks encircle Gaza City in preparation for a ground invasion, prompting the EU to suggest sanctions; international uproar continues to escalate.
In the heart of the Middle East, tensions continue to rise as Israeli tanks and troops amass at the Sheikh Radwan Pond area, north of Gaza. This military build-up has sparked a wave of international condemnation, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union voicing their opposition to the Israeli offensive.
The ongoing conflict has left Gaza's hospitals grappling with an overwhelming influx of casualties. Emergency departments are working with severely depleted stocks of essential medicines and supplies, struggling to provide adequate care for the injured.
The European Commission has proposed new trade sanctions targeting Israel and far-right Israeli ministers in response to the ongoing campaign. If approved by the European Union's member states, the EU's free trade agreement with Israel will be partially suspended.
Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have publicly expressed criticism or opposition to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul explicitly rejected the ground offensive, calling it the wrong approach and urging for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres also urged Israel to halt the announced occupation of Gaza due to the severe risks to civilians.
Egypt, a traditionally neutral party in the conflict, referred to Israel as an 'enemy' in this conflict for the first time in decades. The UN and others have warned that the assault will worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Parts of Gaza have been officially declared under famine, and over the past 24 hours, 98 people were killed across the region. Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza, the enclave's only specialist hospital for children, was hit three times.
Despite the international condemnation, the Israeli military has continued strikes against 'Hamas positions' in Gaza, including a weapons production facility hit on Monday. Armored vehicles have moved about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the direction of the Zikim Crossing on Gaza's northern border with Israel.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have posted a new route for civilians to leave Gaza, which will be open for 48 hours only. Tens of thousands of Palestinians continue to flee the city, seeking safety and refuge.
The Chinese foreign ministry is strongly opposed to the Israeli operation in Gaza and urges Israel to halt its military operations. An independent UN inquiry has concluded that Israel has committed genocide.
Gaza, with an estimated population of about one million inhabitants, is at the centre of this escalating crisis. As the world watches, the hope for a swift and peaceful resolution grows ever more urgent.
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