U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that “far too many” Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and more needs to be done to save lives and provide aid where it’s most needed. Blinken made these remarks during a visit to New Delhi on Friday, expressing appreciation for Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties but emphasizing that more needs to be done.
In addition to longer “humanitarian pauses,” Blinken revealed that the U.S. has proposed additional ideas to the Israelis on how to accomplish this, including expanding the amount of assistance getting into Gaza. His comments come as the Israeli military continues its offensive in densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip, prompting increasing numbers of civilians to flee south.
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The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, has also called for an investigation into what he described as Israel’s “indiscriminate” bombardment and shelling in densely populated areas. Turk urged Israel to end the use of such methods and means of warfare, stating that the high levels of civilian casualties raise serious concerns about breaches of international humanitarian law.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that 20 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are no longer functioning, including a pediatric hospital that was reportedly struck by an Israeli attack. This has left many Palestinians without access to vital medical care. The WHO has condemned the targeting of hospitals, stating that they should never be a target.
Meanwhile, the conflict has caused significant damage in Lebanon, where clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces on the border have been ongoing for more than a month. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has expressed concern over escalating tensions along the border and the alarming attacks that have killed and injured civilians, damaged infrastructure, and displaced thousands of people.
As the conflict continues, international calls for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians are growing louder. The situation remains dire, with thousands of lives at risk and urgent humanitarian assistance needed to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the violence.
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