Israeli airstrikes have caused widespread destruction in Gaza, with scores of people killed overnight. There are growing fears that the military campaign will intensify in the southern city of Rafah, where over 1 million people are seeking shelter.
As Hamas considers a proposal for a ceasefire, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the region to discuss efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza and to negotiate a ceasefire to ease tensions in the Red Sea region.
The airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 127 people, including strikes on residential towers and a kindergarten that had been converted into a shelter. The situation is dire, with fears that the military operation will expand, leaving the displaced population with nowhere to go.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed concern about the inhumane living conditions and the urgent need to end the bloodshed and protect the people of Gaza.
There are also divisions within Israel over the direction of the war, and pressure on mediators to reach a swift ceasefire agreement. The death toll continues to rise, with thousands of people wounded and many more trapped under the rubble.
The arrival of the US secretary of state comes amid criticism from Israel’s far-right national security minister, who has accused the US president of failing to fully support Israel. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with little evidence that the aid and fuel allowed into the region is reaching those in need.
2024-02-04 09:19:55
Link from www.theguardian.com