The Gaza Strip has witnessed a devastating toll as Israeli retaliatory strikes persist, with Gaza’s health ministry providing an update on the casualties. According to the ministry, 493 Palestinians have lost their lives, while 2,751 individuals have been injured. The intensity of the Israeli attacks has been evident, with the air force reportedly conducting over 800 strikes in the past 20 hours alone. Disturbing videos circulating online depict buildings collapsing and massive fires engulfing the region.
In response to Hamas’s attack on Israel, Austria has announced the suspension of its aid to Palestinians, amounting to approximately 19 million euros (£16.4m) for several projects. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg made the announcement, highlighting Austria’s increasingly pro-Israel stance within the European Union. Following the shocking assault launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip on Saturday, the Israeli flag has been raised above the chancellor’s office and the Foreign Ministry in Austria. Minister Schallenberg explained that due to the horrific extent of the terror, Austria cannot continue with “business as usual.” Therefore, all payments from Austrian development cooperation will be put on hold temporarily. The specific funds and projects affected were not differentiated between Gaza and the larger West Bank, which is governed by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas.
This decision by Austria comes amid discussions in neighbouring Germany about whether to halt aid to Palestinians following the Hamas attack. Development Minister Svenja Schulze of the ruling Social Democrats emphasised that the government has always been cautious in ensuring that the aid money is utilised solely for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military asserts that it has regained control of its communities along the Gaza periphery. Although there are reports suggesting that up to eight areas are still contested between Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hamas militants, the military acknowledged that some Palestinian gunmen remain on Israeli territory. Troops stationed in the north have been declared ready for any potential scenarios, but the spokesperson noted that no fighting has occurred in that region.
