Over 350,000 Palestinians leave Gaza City as Israeli Defense Forces initiate military operation, according to their statement.
In the heart of the Middle East, the city of Gaza is currently under intense military action, with significant repercussions for its population and the international community.
According to recent reports, at least 17 people were killed in Israeli shelling on the Gaza Strip. This tragic loss of life has been accompanied by a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Palestinians attempting to leave Gaza City on Tuesday. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) estimated that around 350,000 of Gaza City's 1 million residents had fled the city on this day.
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, a spokesperson for the IDF, stated that Gaza City is the central hub of Hamas' military and governing power. This explanation, however, has not deterred the international community from expressing concern and condemnation.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote that the assault on Gaza City "will only bring more bloodshed, kill more innocent civilians & endanger the remaining hostages." The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, echoed this sentiment, urging Israel to halt its ground invasion on Tuesday.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has been particularly vocal in her criticism. Last week, she announced plans to seek approval from EU nations for new sanctions against far-right Israeli extremists and a partial suspension of a trade agreement with Israel. She also stated that she will freeze millions of euros given by the EU's executive branch to Israel, which would not require the approval of all member countries.
The European Union as a whole has announced plans to exert pressure on Israel to stop its Gaza offensive. Specific EU member countries, such as Germany, have so far resisted sanctions. However, the EU is seeking to impose measures such as suspending trade benefits under the EU-Israel association agreement and sanctioning certain Israeli government officials.
The British government has also joined the chorus of condemnation, calling the new offensive in Gaza "utterly reckless and appalling." Spain's Prime Minister, Sánchez, has gone a step further, calling for Israel to be banned from sports events over the war in Gaza.
Amidst the chaos and displacement, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, the director of Shifa Hospital, reported that the bombing in Gaza did not stop for a single moment. Palestinian residents reported heavy strikes across Gaza City on Tuesday morning, resulting in at least 69 deaths.
The situation in Gaza City is a complex and evolving one, with international pressure mounting on Israel to cease its military action. The European Union's foreign policy chief will present proposals to national representatives to increase pressure on Israel over its military campaign on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the IDF has stated that one of its priorities is evacuating all of the city's population.
Kallas, a prominent EU diplomat, has called on Germany to stop hindering EU diplomacy in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a unified European response to this crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will undoubtedly remain vigilant and engaged, striving for a peaceful resolution and the protection of innocent lives.
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