US Pushes for Ceasefire as Gaza Crisis Worsens
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has commenced a three-day tour of the Middle East, aiming to bolster negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and prevent the conflict from spreading to Lebanon. Starting his journey in Cairo, Blinken is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi before traveling to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The United States has tabled a resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from heavily populated areas of the Strip. The proposal needs the approval of at least nine of the 15 Security Council members without any veto from the permanent members. A vote is expected to take place between today and tomorrow.
The ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. According to Gaza Health Ministry controlled by Hamas, the death toll in Gaza has reached 37,124, with 84,712 reported injured since the hostilities began on October 7. Additionally, the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) describes the level of destruction in Gaza as 'indescribable,' highlighting that over half of the buildings in Gaza are damaged or destroyed.
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is participating in an international conference in Jordan aimed at coordinating humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza. The conference, sponsored by Jordanian King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, focuses on identifying humanitarian needs and overcoming obstacles to delivering aid.
The conflict shows no signs of abating on the ground. Recent Israeli military operations have led to dozens more casualties. Israeli tanks have been advancing towards the north of the Gaza Strip, causing severe artillery shelling in densely populated areas. Street fighting continues in Rafah and Khan Yunis. The Israeli army's operations in the Al Farea refugee camp in the West Bank have resulted in the deaths of two Palestinians, one of whom was a minor.
Diplomatic efforts face significant hurdles. The resignation of Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz, who criticized Netanyahu for not having a post-war plan for Gaza, adds further complexity. Despite internal political turmoil, Netanyahu's government remains strong, backed by a coalition of conservative, far-right, and ultra-Orthodox groups.
- The United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) cited by UNRWA detailed that 55% of Gaza's buildings have suffered damage due to the ongoing conflict. Removal of the rubble is projected to take years, while addressing the psychological trauma of the impacted population might take even longer.
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have urged both Israel and Hamas to respond positively to the peace proposal by US President Joe Biden. GCC foreign ministers meeting in Qatar emphasized the need for humanitarian aid delivery and political stability through negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
- Reports of Israeli airstrikes in central and northern Gaza have resulted in more civilian casualties, including members of Hamas' elite corps. The fighting in these regions has intensified, making the humanitarian situation increasingly dire.
- On the diplomatic front, Blinken is slated to visit Jordan and Qatar after his meetings in Cairo and Israel, to foster support for the peace initiative. His tour underscores the urgent need to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and establish a sustained ceasefire in Gaza.
