Ali Mahdi : "Lebanon-Israel Border Attack: Death Toll Rises"

By Trend News Line 2024-03-28 07:33:45.

– in its sixth day of harsh airstrikes and rocket attacks – could simply move to other parts of Gaza. The U.N. has warned of a humanitarian disaster if Israel launches a ground assault in Rafah, where some 170,000 people are believed to be trapped. Netanyahu’s comments came as Israel continued its relentless bombardment of Hamas targets in Gaza, where more than 1,200 people have been killed since the conflict began. The Israeli leader reiterated his government’s commitment to “do whatever it takes” to restore calm to southern Israel and end the barrage of rockets fired by Hamas and other militant groups. “We will not allow our citizens to live in fear, to be under constant threat of rocket attacks,” Netanyahu said. “We will continue to strike Hamas and other terror organizations with full force until the quiet and security that our citizens deserve is restored.” The prime minister’s comments came as the U.N. Security Council prepared to meet in emergency session to discuss the crisis in Gaza. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and voiced concern about the escalating violence. “The current hostilities are utterly appalling,” Guterres said in a statement. “Families are being torn apart, children are being killed, and homes and livelihoods are being destroyed. This must stop now.” Guterres urged all parties to “exercise maximum restraint” and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The U.N. chief also called on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza to help the thousands of people in need of food, water, and medical assistance. Meanwhile, world leaders continued to express concern about the escalating violence in Gaza and Israel. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu on Wednesday and reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks. Biden also expressed his concern about the rising civilian casualties in Gaza and stressed the need for both sides to de-escalate the conflict. In a statement, the White House said Biden “encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians.” The U.S. president also spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and reiterated his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The European Union also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressed its concern about the rising civilian casualties. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement that “the priority now must be to de-escalate the situation and to protect the lives of civilians.” Borrell also called for an end to the violence and for all parties to “respect international humanitarian law.” The escalating violence in Gaza and Israel has sparked protests around the world, with thousands taking to the streets to demand an end to the bloodshed. In London, protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy to denounce the airstrikes in Gaza and call for an immediate ceasefire. Similar demonstrations were held in cities across Europe and the Middle East, with protesters demanding an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the world watches in horror at the rising death toll and destruction in Gaza and Israel, the international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to end the conflict once and for all..