Israel's air offensive in Gaza reportedly results in the death of 37 people, according to the rescue forces in the region.
In the heart of the Middle East, Israel's offensive against Gaza claimed the lives of at least 37 civilians as the conflict intensified. The civil defense agency made this announcement, stating that the casualties occurred due to Israeli strikes throughout the day.
Mohammed al-Mughayyir, a civil defense official, informed AFP that the death toll had reached 37, with more potential causalities. Bassal, another official, added that the bombings targeted displaced civilians seeking shelter in Khan Yunis, houses in Gaza City, and Deir el-Balah.
Israel has stated that its offensive is designed to defeat Hamas, the group responsible for the October 2023 attack that sparked the war. To date, at least 4,335 people have perished since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, bringing the total death toll to 54,607, primarily civilians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
Unfortunately, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian access, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. This decision was heavily criticized by the other Council members.
The U.S. argued that the resolution would have undermined diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire and supported Hamas, a terrorist organization. The draft had also demanded the release of hostages without conditions, which the U.S. opposed.
Enraged by the U.S. decision, Pakistan's ambassador to the UN, Asim Ahmad, stated that the veto would leave a "moral stain" on the Council and be a "fateful moment of political application that will reverberate for generations." China's ambassador, Fu Cong, echoed this sentiment, stating that the U.S. barrier to the resolution once again exposed the Council's inability to quell the conflict in Gaza due to repetitive obstruction by the U.S.
Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins of Ireland emphasized the need for immediate action from the international community to end the violence, release all hostages, and grant sufficient aid to Gaza. The veto marked the United States' first such action since the Trump administration took office.
As international pressure mounts on Israel to end the war, Germany's foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, expressed concerns about the extremely tense situation in the West Bank. He also voiced opposition to the creation of new Israel settlements, stating that they are illegal under international law.
In a positive development, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation plans to open two aid distribution centers. However, these centers will not resume operations immediately due to maintenance and repair work. The movement of aid has been limited during the ongoing conflict, and the United Nations has warned that most of Gaza's 2.3 million population is at risk of famine.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has become a topic of discussion in the realm of general-news, with the United States' veto of a UN Security Council resolution causing controversy. This veto in politics has prompted strong words from other Council members and ambassadors of countries like Pakistan and China.
The Gaza-related news extends beyond just the conflict, as crime-and-justice issues also arise, such as the displaced civilians adversely affected by the bombings in Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Deir el-Balah. The death toll continues to rise, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
