Live updates | Israel will have ‘overall security responsibility’ in Gaza after war, Netanyahu says

The Israel-Hamas conflict is ongoing, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing that Israel will have “overall security responsibility” in Gaza for an indefinite period. The conflict began on October 7th and has resulted in a high number of casualties, including both Palestinians and Israelis.

Efforts have been made to achieve a ceasefire, with U.S. President Joe Biden raising the need for humanitarian pauses in a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, no agreement on a general ceasefire has been reached yet. Netanyahu has expressed openness to “tactical little pauses” in the fighting to facilitate the release of hostages.

According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, the Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 10,300, with over 4,200 children among the casualties. Additionally, 25,956 people in Gaza have been injured. The situation in Gaza is dire, with reports of civilians living on minimal resources.

Several countries and international organizations are responding to the conflict. Turkey’s parliament has announced a boycott of companies that support Israel, while the United States is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts. Germany has released funds for the UN Palestinian refugee agency, and the United Arab Emirates is establishing a field hospital in Gaza. Pakistan has also sent relief goods to Gaza to aid those affected by the conflict.

There are concerns about the conflict potentially spreading to Lebanon, where tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have been escalating. The Israeli military and Hezbollah, a militant group in Lebanon, have exchanged fire. Efforts are being made to restore calm along Lebanon’s southern border to prevent further escalation.

The G7 countries, including the United States, are discussing the Israel-Hamas conflict and attempting to forge a consensus on how to deal with the crisis. They aim to show unity in their approach to the conflict and address the dire humanitarian impacts.

Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has criticized both sides in the conflict, stating that some of Israel’s attacks are “totally disproportionate” and that both sides disregard international humanitarian law. De Croo has called for the release of innocent hostages and emphasized the importance of upholding international law.

Efforts are being made to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the establishment of a field hospital by the United Arab Emirates and the release of funds by Germany for UNRWA to provide basic services and drinking water to displaced people in Gaza. Several countries are sending relief goods to aid the affected population.