Live Coverage | Second Day of Israeli Airstrikes Target Refugee Camp, Says Gaza Government

According to the Gaza government, which is controlled by Hamas, Israeli air raids have struck residential complexes in a refugee camp close to Gaza City for the second consecutive day, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. The number of casualties from the latest strikes is yet to be ascertained.

Concurrently, for the first time since the conflict between Israel and Hamas ignited over three weeks ago, dozens of individuals holding foreign passports were able to cross from Gaza into Egypt via the Rafah border crossing.

Paltel, the principal service provider, reports that communication and internet services are gradually being reinstated after experiencing the second significant disruption in less than a week. Humanitarian organizations have warned that these disruptions severely hamper their ability to operate in the already critical conditions in Gaza.

The Health Ministry in Gaza, managed by Hamas, reports that the Palestinian death toll in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has surged to 8,525. In the West Bank, Israeli operations and violence have claimed the lives of over 122 Palestinians.

In Israel, the death toll has exceeded 1,400, with the majority being civilians killed during the initial attack by Hamas on October 7 that set off the hostilities. Furthermore, around 240 individuals have been abducted by the militant group from Israel to Gaza. In a recent development, a female Israeli soldier was rescued through a specialized forces operation.

Current Highlights:

1. The release of 5 Hamas captives offers a glimmer of hope to the families of the remaining 200 hostages.

2. Yemen’s Houthi rebels declare attacks on Israel, thereby aligning their principal backer, Iran, more closely with the Hamas conflict.

3. Diplomatic relations between Bolivia and Israel are severed, while Chile and Colombia withdraw their ambassadors.

4. Amnesty International accuses Israeli forces of injuring Lebanese civilians using white phosphorus.

5. Members of Biden’s Cabinet to lobby Congress for financial aid for Israel and Ukraine.

6. Comprehensive coverage from AP can be found at https://bigbignews.net/israel-hamas-war.

In-Depth Coverage:

Second Day of Israeli Airstrikes Target Refugee Camp, Gaza Government Reports

According to the Gaza administration, Israeli airstrikes have once again targeted residential buildings in a refugee camp near Gaza City, causing multiple deaths and injuries. The exact number of casualties remains unknown. Al-Jazeera TV continues to broadcast from northern Gaza, showing scenes of devastation and injured individuals, including children, being rushed to local medical facilities.

Lebanese Premier Advocates Swift Action to Prevent Escalation

Lebanon’s acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed urgent concerns over preventing the Israel-Hamas conflict from spiraling out of control and engulfing Lebanon and the broader region. Days before Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to speak, Mikati has been coordinating with international counterparts to ensure Lebanon remains insulated from the ongoing hostilities. Both Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon and attacks on Gaza have been condemned by Mikati. He has called for a five-day humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate international negotiations for prisoner exchanges and a lasting peace agreement.

Israeli Academic Leaders Decry Antisemitic Sentiment Abroad

Heads of Israeli universities have voiced deep concern over the rising tide of anti-Israeli and antisemitic rhetoric at international educational institutions, post the initiation of hostilities in Gaza by Hamas. They criticize the inadequate stance of some academic authorities and argue that free speech should not be exploited to legitimize hate speech or violence.

Reporters Without Borders Report Journalist Fatalities

According to the watchdog group Reporters Without Borders, 34 journalists have lost their lives in the current Israel-Hamas war. Both sides are accused of potential war crimes, and the organization has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court for investigation.

Communications in Gaza Show Signs of Recovery

Paltel, the primary communications service provider in Gaza, has announced that fixed-line, mobile, and internet services are gradually coming back online. Prior to this, the area had experienced its second major blackout in less than a week, severely impacting humanitarian aid work.

Iranian Supreme Leader Advocates for Ceasing Oil and Food Exports to Israel

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has called on Islamic nations to stop exporting essential goods like oil and food to Israel in protest against its military activities in Gaza.

Movement at Rafah Border Crossing

Dozens of individuals were observed entering Egypt from Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. It marks the first instance of people holding foreign passports being allowed to exit the blockaded territory since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

International Reactions to Israeli Airstrikes on Refugee Camp

Pakistan’s interim Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has denounced the most recent Israeli air raids on a refugee camp near Gaza City, calling upon the international community to intervene.

Three Arab Nations Criticize Israeli Airstrikes

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have issued statements denouncing Israeli airstrikes on a refugee camp near Gaza City. They warn that escalating violence could jeopardize mediation efforts.

U.S. Secretary of State to Visit Israel

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, plans to visit Israel later this week to consult with Israeli officials regarding the ongoing conflict with Hamas.