Israeli Leader Ready to Speak Before Critical UN Assembly Regarding Gaza City Plans
In a shocking turn of events, five more individuals have succumbed to malnutrition in Gaza, with two of them being children. This brings the total death count attributed to malnutrition to a staggering 217, with 100 of these being children.
International food security experts, backed by the UN, gave a grave warning last month that the worst-case scenario of famine is currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip. This comes after an 11-week long total blockade on aid to Gaza imposed by Israel, which was only partially lifted at the beginning of March.
Mounting Hunger and Protests
In May, a controversial aid distribution began at four points in the Gaza Strip by a humanitarian foundation supported by Israel and the US. Despite this, there have been reports of at least 1,373 Palestinians losing their lives in their quest for food since late May. This includes 859 individuals near aid distribution sites and 514 along aid convoy routes. The aforementioned foundation has disputed these figures.
Israel has maintained that there are no restrictions on aid deliveries, instead pointing fingers at the UN and humanitarian organizations for failing to distribute aid effectively. Furthermore, they accuse Hamas of stealing this aid. This is despite widespread reports of hunger, malnutrition, and disease in Gaza.
Public Outcry Against Plans for Gaza City
Thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in Israel to protest the government's recent announcement to expand its military operation in Gaza. This includes families of 50 hostages in Gaza, who fear this plan puts their loved ones in danger. They are calling on the government to ensure their safe return.
Despite facing criticism, Israeli leaders, including the Prime Minister, have defended their plans, claiming it will aid in freeing the hostages. However, a group representing the families of the hostages disagrees, stating that the expansion of the fighting puts both the hostages and soldiers at risk.
A Five-Point Plan for Gaza City
The office of the Israeli Prime Minister has outlined five objectives in their plan to assume control of Gaza City. These include:
- The disarmament of Hamas
- The return of all hostages
- The demilitarization of the Gaza Strip
- Establishing Israeli security control in the Strip
- The establishment of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority
The military has said it is preparing to take over Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside the combat zones. Currently, the Israeli military controls about three-quarters of Gaza, with nearly all of its 2.1 million residents living in the quarter of the territory that is not under Israeli control.
Global Backlash Over Israeli Plans
Israel's decision to expand its war in Gaza has been met with international criticism. The UN Secretary General has voiced his concern, stating that it would result in additional forced displacement and deaths, and intensify the already dire situation for millions of Palestinians.
Within Israel, protests against the plan have also escalated, with families of hostages held by Hamas fearing that this move could endanger their relatives. The Prime Minister, however, has dismissed these accusations, insisting that the plan will liberate Gaza from Hamas.
Upcoming UN Meeting and Press Conference
With protests intensifying in Israel, the Prime Minister is set to address the public in a news conference. This comes as the United Nations Security Council prepares for an emergency meeting concerning Israel's plan to take over Gaza City. All members of the council, save for the US and Panama, have called for this meeting.
The UN Secretary General's spokesperson has labeled Israel's actions as a "dangerous escalation". As the world waits for the upcoming news conference and UN meeting, the situation remains tense and uncertain.