Israeli tanks have reached the middle of the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis and have met with resistance from Hamas fighters while inflicting severe damage on the area. This came after an even deadlier attack carried out by Hamas on Israel on October 7. This last attack has resulted in a large number of Israeli hostages being held as prisoners in Gaza.
Despite Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that dozens of Hamas fighters have surrendered and called it the beginning of the end for Hamas, the organization has denied the claim and continues to demand prisoner releases from Israel.
The conflict has led to significant destruction in Gaza, with much of the territory reduced to rubble. International aid organizations have warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing severe shortages of food, water and other basic goods, while the health system is collapsing.
At the same time, the UN Security Council’s authority and credibility were called into question after the U.S. vetoed a ceasefire resolution. The UN General Assembly is expected to vote on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire, while the World Health Organization has warned of a crisis in Gaza’s health system.
Efforts to mediate a ceasefire and release the hostages are ongoing, but U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has rejected a ceasefire, citing Hamas’s stated intent to repeat attacks. The U.S. has also bypassed Congress to supply tank shells to Israel, while reports suggest that arms transfers were not subjected to rigorous examination of international norms for warfare.
In addition, violence has escalated at the border with Lebanon, as Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since the war in Gaza erupted.
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