Gaza October 29, 2023: The Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip has, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, resulted in a significant loss of life. The toll stands at 7,650 peo
ple, including 3,195 children, with approximately 19,450 others injured. Additionally, 1,650 individuals remain unaccounted for.
Escalation in Violence
Israeli forces maintained their assault on Gaza over the weekend, while also conducting raids in the West Bank, where they encountered resistance. Simultaneously, the Palestinian militants fired missiles at Israeli cities and towns, triggering sirens in areas including Ashkelon, north of Tel Aviv, and near Ben Gurion Airport.
The Israeli army asserted that their forces were conducting ground operations within Gaza. However, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed to have thwarted the invasion. In a recorded speech, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, stated that the aggression by the Israeli forces was a response to the "great pain" they were experiencing and warned of a "greater defeat" for the enemy.
Elon Musk's Offer and Israel's Response
Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink Communications, which specializes in internet and satellite communications services and is affiliated with the SpaceX group, announced via a tweet that his company would provide communication services to internationally recognized relief organizations in Gaza. This move was met with opposition from the Israeli government, with Communication Minister Shlomo Karhi expressing concerns that the communication links could potentially be used for "terrorist activities" by Hamas militants. Israel said that it would “use all means at its disposal to fight this”.
Airstrikes Near Gaza Hospital
Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes near Gaza's largest hospital, which is currently crowded with patients and tens of thousands of Palestinians seeking shelter. Israel has alleged that Gaza's Hamas rulers have a command post under the hospital.
Netanyahu Announces "Second Stage"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a "second stage" in Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas, three weeks after Hamas initiated an incursion into Israel on October 7. Israeli tanks and infantry entered Gaza over the weekend, marking a broadening of the ground offensive, while Israel continued its bombardment of the territory from air, land, and sea.
UN Concerns and India's Stand
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned of the potential for more civilian casualties if Israel proceeds with a major ground offensive in Gaza. The UN rights chief also condemned the internet and telecommunications blackout that has affected the Palestinian enclave since Friday.
On Saturday, India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian truce. The resolution received 120 affirmative votes, while only 14 countries, including Israel and the United States, voted against it. India was among the 45 countries that chose to abstain, in contrast to the unanimous support for the resolution from other South Asian nations.
The resolution, proposed by Jordan, emphasized the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and urged the unconditional release of captive civilians and the unhindered supply of essential provisions to Gaza.
Tayyip Erdogan's Remarks and Diplomatic Fallout
In Turkey, President Tayyip Erdogan addressed a large gathering of supporters in one of the largest pro-Palestinian rallies since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. Erdogan reiterated his stance that Hamas is not a terrorist organization and described Israel as an occupier. These comments have sparked tensions, leading to Israel recalling its diplomatic staff from Turkey.
The situation in the region remains highly volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight as the conflict continues to unfold.