Live Updates: Israeli Military Escalates Gaza City Siege, U.S. Secretary of State Lands in Israel

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Israeli forces have escalated the siege around Gaza City just as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken touched down in Israel to advocate for a temporary halt to the hostilities with Hamas and to facilitate the entry of more humanitarian aid into the encircled Gaza Strip.

As anticipation builds for a scheduled address by Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah and ally to Hamas, there has been heightened tension on the northern border with Lebanon. Nasrallah’s public address, his first since Hamas’s attack on Israel the previous month, raises concerns that the conflict could spread throughout the region.

A significant number of Palestinians, including those with foreign citizenship and some who are wounded, have been permitted to depart the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing. This movement appears to be part of a tacit agreement between the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, which acts as a mediator with Hamas.

While Israel has permitted the passage of over 260 trucks loaded with food and medical supplies through the crossing, humanitarian workers claim that the aid is insufficient. Additionally, Israeli authorities have denied entry for fuel supplies.

The death toll in Gaza from the conflict has risen to 9,061 according to the Hamas-led Health Ministry, while violence and military operations in the occupied West Bank have resulted in over 140 Palestinian deaths.

Israel has reported over 1,400 fatalities, the majority occurring in the Hamas-initiated attack on October 7, which marked the commencement of the conflict. Additionally, Hamas has taken 242 individuals from Israel into Gaza.

Current Developments:

1. After an Israeli airstrike, medical facilities in Gaza are struggling to provide care for injured children amidst the overcrowded conditions.

2. The departure of Palestinians holding foreign passports from Gaza has left some families in a difficult position.

3. Thai workers in Israel face a tough choice between staying amidst the conflict or leaving due to the war and Hamas attacks.

4. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been accused of avoiding responsibility for the failure to prevent the Hamas attack, casting blame on others instead.

5. For comprehensive coverage on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP’s dedicated section.

Detailed Reports on the Israel-Hamas Conflict:

IRAN-SUPPORTED IRAQI FACTIONS DECLARE INTENSIFIED ASSAULTS ON U.S. BASES

In Baghdad, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, has declared its intention to intensify and widen its operations against U.S. bases in the region starting the following week. This declaration comes as a show of solidarity with Palestine and in retaliation for casualties in the ongoing conflict.

The coalition has been responsible for a series of recent attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, resulting in injuries to U.S. personnel. The Pentagon confirmed 27 rocket and drone strikes on U.S. installations and has responded by deploying an additional 300 troops to the Middle East.

PALESTINIAN CASUALTIES RISE AMID ISRAELI RAIDS IN WEST BANK

In the latest confrontations, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of seven Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. These deaths occurred during comprehensive raids and included three in Jenin, two in Hebron, one in Nablus, and one in Qalandiya. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed these casualties.

According to the Israeli military, these operations, particularly the air attack in Jenin, have become increasingly common. They report the targeting and killing of Hamas militants who had attacked soldiers with explosives and discovered hidden explosives and ammunition.

In Nablus, the demolition of a home belonging to a Palestinian accused of perpetrating an earlier shooting in Huwara, which resulted in two Israeli deaths, was carried out by Israeli forces.

The West Bank has witnessed a surge in military raids, resulting in at least 141 Palestinian deaths, marking this as one of the deadliest periods on record, according to U.N. monitors.

U.S. DIPLOMAT IN ISRAEL FOR CRITICAL DISCUSSIONS ON THE CONFLICT

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has landed in Israel for crucial discussions on the escalating conflict with Hamas. Arriving in Tel Aviv on Friday for his third visit since the onset of the war, Blinken is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials during a sensitive time. His agenda includes addressing the intensification of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and responding to growing international critique concerning civilian casualties.

President Joe Biden has called for a “humanitarian pause” to facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals and dual citizens from Gaza, negotiate the release of hostages, and augment humanitarian aid.

Blinken is expected to reinforce the right of Israel to self-defense while also pressing for adherence to the rules of war and considering future governance of Gaza post-conflict.

LEBANON ON ALERT AFTER ISRAELI ARTILLERY FIRE

Ahead of Nasrallah’s public address, the Lebanese army has been placed on high alert following sporadic Israeli artillery fire along the Lebanon-Israel border. Lebanese officials expressed concern that Israel’s aggressive posture could potentially ignite further conflict.

In response, U.N. peacekeeping forces have stepped up patrols in the border area to de-escalate tensions.

EGYPTIAN MEDIATION AND U.S. EFFORTS TO AID GAZA

Amidst Blinken’s diplomatic mission, Egypt continues its role as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas. The Rafah crossing remains a pivotal point of passage for aid and people, with Egypt exerting substantial effort to manage the flow under challenging circumstances.

The U.S. has pledged an additional $15 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, prioritizing food, water, and essential medical supplies.

For the latest updates, please refer back to this page as the situation develops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas Conflict

More about Israel-Hamas Conflict

• Israeli Military Operations in Gaza
• U.S. Secretary of State’s Visit to Israel
• Rafah Crossing Developments
• Palestinian Death Toll Statistics
• Casualties in Israel from Hamas Attacks
• Israeli Raids in West Bank
• Antony Blinken’s Diplomatic Efforts in Israel
• Lebanese Border Shelling Incidents
• Israel’s Policy on Palestinian Workers
• UN Report on Israel’s Use of Force in the West Bank