Gaza Strip

US Vice President Criticises Israel’s Actions in Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging Hamas to accept a six-week truce. She spoke at an event marking the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Harris also met with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz. A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for talks, but progress is unclear. Israel has killed over 30,000 Palestinians since October 7.

US Airdrops Aid Over Gaza Amid Ceasefire Hopes

The US began airdropping aid over Gaza on March 2, 2024, after President Biden called for an immediate ceasefire. Biden stated aid was insufficient and vowed to increase efforts. The US Central Command coordinated with Jordan, dropping 38,000 meals. Vice-President Harris plans to meet Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz to discuss reducing civilian casualties, securing a ceasefire, releasing hostages, and increasing aid. A senior Biden official said Israel has 'more or less accepted' a six-week pause. Hurdles remain with Hamas unwilling to define vulnerable hostages. Truce talks are set to resume in Egypt.

US to Airdrop Aid Into Gaza as Israel Blocks Land Routes

US President Joe Biden announced airdrops of food and emergency supplies into Gaza as Israel continues to restrict land routes for humanitarian aid. The decision came during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Recent Israeli attacks on Palestinians seeking food aid led to over 100 deaths, raising concerns of famine. Critics argue airdrops are temporary and highlight failure to coordinate ground relief. The US will collaborate with Jordan and other nations. The International Rescue Committee emphasized diplomatic efforts are needed.

World Reacts to Israel’s Killing of Palestinian Aid Seekers

Israel's killing of at least 112 Palestinians and wounding of over 750 at the Nabulsi roundabout in Gaza City on Thursday has drawn widespread international condemnation. Many countries, aid groups, and human rights organizations denounced the attack as a violation of international law. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for an explanation, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné demanded an independent investigation, and Lebanon's foreign ministry condemned the killings. The White House called the deaths 'tremendously alarming' but stopped short of condemning Israel. The Gaza Health Ministry reported four children died from starvation, adding to the toll. The Jordanian army conducted three food airdrops, while the US and Canada are considering similar actions. Refugees International President Jeremy Konyndyk criticized the airdrops as negligible. Total casualties since October 7 stand at 30,228 killed and 71,377 injured. Over 200 MPs from 12 countries are urging arms sales bans to Israel.

Gaza Faces Mass Killing of Children in Slow Motion, Says Save the Children

Save the Children warns of mass killing of children in Gaza due to starvation as Israel blocks aid. One in 10 children malnourished; 21% pregnant women malnourished. Kamal Adwan Hospital reports seven child deaths from malnutrition. Aid deliveries plummet to less than 100 trucks per day, far below the needed 500. Israeli authorities deny limiting aid. Over 30,000 Palestinians killed since October 7. Senior Hamas official acknowledges ceasefire deal distant.

At Least 112 Killed, 760 Injured After Israeli Forces Open Fire on Palestinians Rushing for Food Aid

On 29 February 2024, Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians seeking food aid in Gaza City, killing at least 112 and injuring 760. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned it as a massacre and part of a genocidal war. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the incident. The attack drew widespread international condemnation. The UN has not been able to deliver aid to northern Gaza for over a week.

Biden, Netanyahu Pursue Contradictory Objectives in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about a ceasefire in Gaza by March 4, but Israeli and Hamas officials downplayed the likelihood. Hamas's Basem Naim stated no new proposal had been received since Paris talks. Israeli officials expressed surprise and cited Hamas's 'excessive demands.' Tensions between Biden and Netanyahu are noted, with Biden calling for Congress to fund Israel's defense. Hamas also advocates cutting US funds to UNRWA. The conflict has killed 29,878 Palestinians and displaced over 85% of the population. A proposed 40-day pause includes hostage exchanges at a 10:1 ratio, but talks face challenges over detainee identities and female soldiers.

Israel Expands Ground Offensive as UN Calls for Humanitarian Truce

Israel expanded its ground offensive into the heart of the Gaza Strip on Friday night, causing civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes, and reports indicate use of white phosphorus bombs. Gaza's communication networks were cut off. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution with 120 votes in favor, calling for an immediate humanitarian truce, proposed by Jordan. According to the Gaza health ministry, over 7,000 people, including more than 2,000 children, have been killed in 21 days.

Israel Conducts Overnight Ground Raid Into Gaza, Prepares for Ground Invasion

Israeli ground troops and tanks conducted an overnight raid into northern Gaza as preparation for a full-scale ground invasion. Airstrikes killed 756 Palestinians including 344 children, raising total deaths to over 7,000 including nearly 3,000 children. Over 17,000 wounded. Palestinian Authority foreign minister met with ICC officials. UNRWA warned fuel shortage may halt relief. Oxfam accused Israel of starvation as weapon. UN Secretary-General shocked at misrepresentation. Turkey's Erdogan condemned attacks. Qatar's PM hoped for hostage release. British PM Sunak called for pauses. French President Macron said ground incursion would be error. Egyptian President al-Sisi urged to avoid invasion. UN noted blockade's impact; 80% dependent on aid; two-thirds in poverty; unemployment 45%.

Civilian Death Toll Rises as Israel Intensifies Attacks on Gaza, International Aid Efforts Continue

Israeli airstrikes have killed 436 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to over 5,000 since 7 October. Israel has also initiated limited ground raids. A second aid convoy of 14 trucks entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing, carrying water, food, and medical supplies. Israel continues to block fuel. A third convoy is expected soon. The UN warns that current aid covers only 4% of daily needs. The healthcare system is near collapse. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for faster aid and a humanitarian pause. Two US-Israeli citizens, Judith and Natalie Raanan, have been released. Hamas offered to release two Israeli citizens but Israel declined.

Israeli Military Prepares for Major Offensive, Evacuation Efforts Underway