Israel’s air force has conducted more than 3,600 airstrikes in Gaza since Saturday, according to official reports. This comes after Israel announced the dropping of 6,000 bombs on the densely populated enclave. The air force has vowed to continue its forceful and relentless attacks as long as necessary.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called on Gazans to remain steadfast and stay on their land, despite growing calls for Cairo to allow safe passage for civilians out of the besieged enclave. Egypt, which shares the only border crossing with Gaza not controlled by Israel, has been a key mediator in previous Israel-Gaza escalations. However, concerns about the ability of civilians to return to their land pose a significant barrier to efforts to facilitate their safe passage.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with approximately 270,000 internally displaced people seeking refuge in UN-run shelters. However, supplies in these shelters are running dangerously low, according to Jenifer Austin, a representative of UNRWA. The UN estimates that a total of 338,000 Palestinians have been displaced in the enclave. Urgent supplies, such as fuel for desalination plants and generators in hospitals, are in critical demand to prevent further humanitarian crisis.
The White House has denied any plans to deploy American troops to Israel in the near future, as the conflict intensifies. However, the US has not ruled out any option regarding the release of hostages held by Hamas. The government has confirmed the deaths of 27 US citizens in Israel, but the number of those taken captive has not yet been released.
Meanwhile Russia has condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Syria, stating that they violated its sovereignty and international law. Moscow warns that such forceful actions could lead to a dangerous escalation throughout the Middle East. Israel’s air force damaged the runways of Damascus and Aleppo international airports, resulting in their suspension of operations.
Israel’s Knesset has approved an emergency government, agreed upon by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Benny Gantz. Gantz, the head of the National Unity party, and former Israeli army head Gadi Eizenkot have been sworn in as ministers. The agreement establishes a war cabinet consisting of Netanyahu, Gantz, and Defence Minister Gallant, with Eizenkot and Likud Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer serving as observers. Members of the opposition will also be part of a wider security cabinet, although Yair Lapid, the head of the main opposition Blue and White Party, has criticised the emergency government’s structure and chosen not to join.
