Politics
Joe Biden’s visit to Israel to offer support following the terrorist attack by Hamas was overshadowed by an explosion at a hospital in Gaza, which the Palestinians claimed resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. Both America and Israel cited intelligence suggesting that the blast was caused by a misfired missile launched by Islamic Jihad, another militant group, which landed in the hospital’s parking lot. However, Hamas and several Arab countries blamed an Israeli airstrike. This incident sparked outrage in the Arab world, leading Jordan to cancel a summit between Mr. Biden, the leaders of Jordan and Egypt, and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza worsened as Israel retaliated for the Hamas attack, with the Palestinians claiming that approximately 3,500 people have been killed. Under increasing international pressure, Israel has agreed to allow the passage of food, water, and medicine from Egypt to southern Gaza, where the population has sought refuge. King Abdullah of Jordan warned that the region is on the verge of chaos but emphasized that his country and Egypt would not accept refugees.
Israel’s ground troops were prepared to enter Gaza, but their advance has been delayed partly due to concerns that Hizbullah, a powerful militia based in Lebanon, may launch a major assault across the border into northern Israel while Israeli soldiers are focused on Gaza. Hizbullah, supported by Iran, has warned that an ”axis” of militias is prepared to open ”multiple fronts” against Israel.
2023-10-19 07:32:02
Article from www.economist.com
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