Escalating Human Tragedy in the Israel-Hamas Conflicts on its 10th Day
The Israeli-Hamas conflicts continue for the 10th day, with increasing casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The clashes, which began with the “Aqsa Flood” attack launched by Hamas on October 7, have resulted in the deaths of over 2,750 Palestinians, including 750 children. On the Israeli side, the number of casualties has exceeded 1,300. Throughout the night, the Israeli army continued to bomb various parts of the Gaza Strip, including the east of Gaza, the Shucaiyye and Zeytun neighborhoods. The main roads were specifically targeted in the air strikes.
In retaliation, Hamas launched attacks on the south of Israel, with explosions heard in Tel Aviv and Ashkelon. The Iron Dome defense system managed to destroy the rockets fired by Hamas, but some rockets caused material damage in Bat Yam and Ashkelon. Israel also carried out operations in the West Bank, resulting in the detention of dozens of Palestinians.
The human tragedy in Gaza is worsening as the Israeli bombardment intensifies. Morgues and hospitals are overwhelmed, and the number of dead and injured children is rapidly increasing. Hospitals are struggling to provide care for the injured, while electricity, water, and food shortages are worsening. The people of Gaza, who have lost their loved ones and homes in the Israeli attacks, are experiencing despair.
In Israel, the families of those taken hostage by Hamas are anxiously waiting for their loved ones’ release. The cities in Israel are filled with panic and fear as rocket attacks continue.
The world’s attention is focused on Israel’s upcoming land operation, although the timing of the operation is yet to be determined due to weather conditions. Clashes have also occurred on the Lebanon border between the Lebanese Hezbollah and the Israeli army, with Israel responding to missile attacks from Lebanon. The Israeli army has urged civilians to stay at least 4 km away from the Lebanese border.
United States President Joe Biden has expressed his belief that Israel’s occupation of Gaza would be a big mistake. He emphasized the need for Hamas to be completely destroyed and called for the establishment of a Palestinian state in the region. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the opening of humanitarian aid corridors. He condemned the civilian deaths and emphasized that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, with the Palestine Liberation Organization being the only legitimate representative of the Palestinians. Abbas also called for the release of hostages and detainees from both sides.
The Israeli Army reported that 600,000 Palestinians in Gaza have crossed to the south of the city due to the ongoing war with Hamas. The Israeli Army Spokesperson emphasized that they are acting in accordance with international law to minimize harm to civilians not involved in the conflict, distinguishing themselves from their enemies.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the latest developments in Palestine and Israel, as well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The two ministers also shared their experiences from their visits to the region and discussed the issue of NATO expansion.
Iranian President Ibrahim Reisi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and compared Israel’s behavior to that of the Nazis. Reisi warned that if the attacks do not stop, all parties will be on guard.
Amnesty International has published evidence of the Israeli army’s use of white phosphorus in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza. Videos and photos verified by Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Laboratory show the use of white phosphorus by Israel, as well as the impact of the bombings. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, demanding immediate attention and action from the international community.
