Tension Rises as International Pressure Mounts on Israel in Gaza Conflict
Ten weeks into the Gaza war, the international community is pressing Israel to exercise more consideration for civilian lives in its dealings with Islamist Hamas. The tone of sentiment has gotten stronger from the United States, a close ally of Israel. This is set to be addressed during a visit by US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, whose intention is reportedly to engage in "serious talks" about the upcoming phase of military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, German and Dutch federal prosecutors have arrested four suspected members of Hamas on suspicion of belonging to a foreign terrorist organization. They allege weapons were being prepared for possible attacks on Jewish institutions in Europe. In related news, Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has reported arrests of Hamas-linked terror suspects in Denmark.
Criticism of Israel's actions is escalating due to several factors. Apart from the high death toll in the Gaza Strip, there's concern over Israeli settlers' violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. As a result, the US has suspended arms deliveries due to fears of the weapons ending up in radical settlers' hands.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has imposed entry bans on radical settlers. A rift is also developing between Israel and its allies over what post-Gaza conflict measures should be taken in Gaza. While international consensus still supports a two-state solution, Israeli government officials have lately expressed doubts about that approach.
Strengthened US Talks with Israel
Jake Sullivan's expected visit to Israel is envisioned as a critical juncture for further discussions on the Gaza war. According to the White House, Sullivan's mission focuses on taking more targeted action and reducing harm to civilians. The reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing for aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip may also be a topic of discussion.
Hamas Arrests in Europe
In recent developments, four individuals suspected of belonging to Hamas were arrested in Berlin and Rotterdam by German and Dutch prosecutors. The suspects are implicated in membership of a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors claim that one of the Berlin-based individuals was tasked with locating a European underground weapons depot for Hamas.
Ammunition Use in the Gaza War
Based on intelligence data, CNN reported that around 40-45% of the Israeli air-to-ground munitions used in the Gaza war are not precision-guided. The report suggested that unguided munitions, which are generally less accurate, posed additional risks to civilians. However, Israeli military spokeswoman Keren Hajioff asserts that the military plans its missions carefully and employs specialized munitions to minimize civilian casualties as much as possible.
The Gaza War's Trigger and Aftermath
The war in Gaza began in response to the worst massacre in Israeli history, sparked by terrorists affiliated with Hamas and other extremist groups in Israel on October 7. More than 1200 people were killed, and nearly 240 hostages were taken to Gaza. Israel responded with massive airstrikes and launched a ground offensive towards the end of October.
UK Condemns Radical Settlers
In an attempt to contain escalating violence, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron announced entry bans on radical settlers. The United States has also withheld weapons deliveries due to worries about radical settlers' access to the arms.
The Question of a Two-State Solution
Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Tzipi Hotovely, has ruled out a two-state solution, citing the Oslo process's failure as evidence that Palestinians did not genuinely seek a state of their own alongside Israel.
Egypt Mediates Ceasefire Negotiations
According to reports, Israel is seeking Egyptian mediation to facilitate hostage deals and negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas. While Hamas reportedly engaged in "serious talks about a ceasefire," it confirmed there would be no exchange of hostages before the ceasefire took effect.
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