The conflict between Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas militants from Gaza has led to widespread calls for a ceasefire as Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer casualties due to Israel’s sustained airstrikes in response to the October 7 Hamas attack. In an effort to gain complete control of the enclave, Israel has cut off fuel, water, and food, leaving the Palestinian population struggling for survival. Reports and videos have emerged showing Israel bombing Gaza on Sunday, with journalists on the ground describing it as the “worst night yet” in Gaza.
Here are ten key updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict:
- Israel has intensified its overnight bombings of the Gaza Strip, with reports of air attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp and in close proximity to Gaza’s Al-Shifa and Al-Quds Hospitals.
- Over the past 24 hours, at least 400 people have been reported killed in Gaza due to continuous Israeli airstrikes, which Palestinian media has described as the “heaviest bombardment” since the October 7 Hamas attack.
- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden, along with leaders from Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, held a meeting. They reiterated their support for Israel while also urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
- Oil prices dropped more than $1 on Monday as diplomatic efforts intensified to contain the Israel-Hamas conflict, raising concerns about a broader confrontation in the oil-rich region.
- Brent crude futures fell by 67 cents to $91.49 a barrel as of 02:03 GMT, following an earlier drop of $1.02 to $91.14 a barrel, according to Reuters.
- The US, under President Joe Biden, continues to support humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. Fourteen trucks crossed the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, with additional aid trucks provided by the Egyptian Red Crescent and the United Nations. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths referred to it as a “small glimmer of hope.”
- China considers the situation in Gaza to be “very serious,” with an increasing risk of a large-scale ground conflict and the potential for armed conflicts to spread to neighboring borders, according to Chinese state media on Monday.
- According to Chinese state media, Beijing is willing to take actions that promote dialogue, achieve a ceasefire, and restore peace in the Middle East.
- The Israel Defense Forces have conducted raids in the West Bank, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals in the latest investigative efforts.
- An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, in an interview, remarked that countries accusing Israel of war crimes were not democracies and were in no position to lecture Israel on humanitarian issues, as reported by The Guardian