The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is growing as Blinken seeks support for a temporary cease-fire

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The intensifying humanitarian predicament in Gaza has drawn U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to engage with regional foreign ministers in a concerted effort to broker a temporary cease-fire, amid Israel’s unwavering demand for the liberation of hostages taken by Hamas before any truce can be negotiated.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza with stark clarity, labelling the living conditions there as “horrific” amidst the ongoing conflict. Essential resources such as food, water, and fuel necessary for electricity in hospitals are depleting rapidly. In a plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian relief to reach the beleaguered Gaza Strip.

He highlighted the plight of the population, stating that “An entire population is traumatized, nowhere is safe,” drawing attention to the past atrocities involving the massacre of civilians by Hamas militants. Despite these events, he maintained that civilians and civilian infrastructure should not be collateral in conflict and called for Hamas to free the estimated 240 hostages in their custody.

Surrounding Gaza City, Israeli forces are consolidating their positions, prompting civilians to migrate southward to escape the escalation, though safety remains a concern even in these areas. Raed Mattar’s experience of taking refuge in a school in Khan Younis after evacuating from the north is testament to the perpetual fear, as the sounds of warfare continue unabated.

The United Nations reports that approximately 1.5 million Gaza residents, constituting 70% of the population, have been displaced.

During his visit to Tel Aviv, Blinken echoed President Joe Biden’s advocacy for a brief cessation of combat to tackle the dire humanitarian situation. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood firm on the stance that no humanitarian reprieve will be granted until the hostages held by Hamas are released.

This predicament adds complexity to Blinken’s discussions in Amman with representatives from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the Palestinian Authority. These diplomats harbor deep mistrust and resentment towards Israel’s actions.

The talks with Arab leaders, although resistant to American proposals, aim to ponder the potential future of Gaza post-Hamas and to consider the role Arab nations could play in crisis resolution and in shaping governance post-conflict.

Before these extensive diplomatic engagements, Blinken met with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and is scheduled to meet Jordan’s King Abdullah II amid rising tensions and diplomatic strains with Israel.

In Gaza City, the Israeli military is advancing its campaign against Hamas, with recent strikes hitting areas near vital infrastructure, escalating the distress among residents seeking shelter. The Israeli military asserts that their operations are focused on neutralizing Hamas targets and claims that the militants are operating from civilian areas, thus exacerbating the risk to non-combatants.

Following a strike near Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa, harrowing scenes of casualties emerged, casting a spotlight on the grim human toll. Despite Israeli claims of a Hamas command center operating in the vicinity, which hospital officials and Hamas deny, the devastation was palpable with dozens reported dead or injured.

The Gaza Health Ministry’s tallies suggest a grim figure of over 9,200 Palestinian deaths, including more than 3,600 children. On the Israeli side, the casualties predominantly comprise civilians lost during Hamas’ initial attacks, with continuous rocket barrages affecting daily life across Israel.

The casualty count continues to mount on both sides as the offensive in Gaza City’s dense urban environment proceeds. Crossings into Egypt have seen hundreds of Palestinian dual nationals and wounded individuals evacuate, but the numbers are dwarfed by the overall displacement and trauma endured by the population.

While Israel has facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the prohibition on fuel—attributed to its potential military use by Hamas—significantly hampers relief efforts.

This report brings together contributions from Cairo and Bangkok, with additional reporting from Amman, Jordan. For comprehensive coverage of the conflict, visit bigbignews.net/israel-hamas-war.

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• United Nations on Gaza crisis
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• Humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza
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• Gaza health ministry reports
• Arab foreign ministers’ stance on Gaza
• Casualties in the Gaza conflict
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