Additionally, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, characterized Hamas as a group with intentions similar to the ‘Nazis’ and emphasized that the organization does not appear to seek a resolution to the conflict. Erdan claimed that Hamas is interested in the annihilation of the Jewish people. Israel’s armed forces have reported conducting operations targeting more than 600 militant sites in recent days as they intensify their ground actions in the region. At this critical point in the conflict, Palestinian civilians are grappling with severe shortages of essential supplies such as fuel, food, and safe drinking water, as the conflict enters its fourth week.
According to the latest figures from Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 8,300 people have been killed, with 66% of them being women and children, while tens of thousands have been injured. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that 31 journalists have lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war since October 7, according to The Times of Israel. Among these 31 journalists, 26 were Palestinian, four were Israeli, and one was Lebanese. Furthermore, eight journalists were reported injured, and nine were reported missing or detained. The Committee to Protect Journalists’ report cited continued attacks, arrests, threats, censorship, and killings of family members against journalists.
During the UN Security Council meeting on the Israel-Hamas war, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, made a striking statement by equating the attacks by the Hamas militant group to the Holocaust. He further drew attention by wearing a ‘Yellow Star of David’ with the inscription ‘Never Again,’ as reported by AP.
In a dramatic gesture, Erdan declared that he, as well as all Jews, would wear a Yellow star until the world collectively condemns the atrocities committed by the Hamas militant group. He stated, “Just like my grandparents and the grandparents of millions of Jews, from now on, my team and I will wear Yellow stars. We will continue wearing this star until the international community acknowledges and condemns the horrors perpetrated by Hamas,” as reported by The Times of Israel. Furthermore, according to a US official, the United States called on Israel to reinstate communications in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated the first stage of its ground incursion into Gaza, which led to the shutdown of communications on the night of October 27, as reported by the Washington Post.