The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared a state of emergency and the formation of a wartime government in response to mounting pressure for the creation of humanitarian corridors. Allowing aid and medical supplies into the Gaza Strip and permitting civilians to evacuate.
Notably, Benny Gantz, a prominent opposition figure and former defense minister, has joined the government’s ranks for the duration of the ongoing conflict. Alongside Netanyahu, Gantz, and Yoav Gallant, the defense minister, a “war cabinet” is being assembled. While Israeli troops continue to amass in the southern regions of the country, preparing for a potential ground invasion.
During a televised address on Wednesday, Netanyahu recounted the grave atrocities committed by Hamas militants over the weekend. He described how they targeted children, perpetrated acts of immolation, sexual assault, and beheaded soldiers. In response, he declared a resolute stance against every member of Hamas, vowing to dismantle the organization.
Gantz reassure Israeli citizens that the newly formed government stands united and is determined to eliminate Hamas from existence.
It’s important to note that Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition partners will remain in the government. Yair Lapid, the country’s chief opposition leader, was extend an invitation to join the new cabinet. But his response to the offer remains pending.
Within Gaza, the only power station in the enclave has exhausted its fuel supply, intensifying the impending crisis, especially for hospitals. The Mezan Center for Human Rights in Gaza expressed deep concern. Stating that vital services crucial for the survival of the population, including healthcare facilities, are on the brink of becoming inoperative.
Mahmoud Matar, a surgeon in Gaza, described the overwhelming situation in the hospitals. Where the number of injuries and fatalities has placed an immense burden on their capacity to cope. He grimly reported to the BBC, “The smell of death is all around now in Gaza. There is no water, there will be no electricity, and we have a very poor network connection. I am currently looking for water to drink.”
During a round table discussion with Jewish leaders in Washington. Joe Biden characterized the Hamas assault on Israel as “the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.” He condemned Saturday’s attack as “sheer evil” and a “campaign of pure cruelty against the Jewish people.” He emphasized, “Silence is complicity,” and declared that he would not remain silent. Biden further noted that the U.S. is providing additional military assistance to the Israel Defense Forces.
However, it’s important to note that a White House spokesperson later confirmed to the Washington Post that neither U.S. officials nor Biden had independently seen photographs or verified reports of such atrocities. His comments were based on claims made by Netanyahu’s spokesperson.
The United Nations humanitarian agency, OCHA, reported a significant “mass displacement within the Gaza Strip, with more than 263,000 people forced to leave their homes. They anticipated that this number would continue to rise. response to mounting pressure
The death toll, stemming from the tragic events that unfolded during Saturday’s violence. A result of both Hamas militants and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, continues to climb.