LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Worst Israeli Combat Losses in More Than a Month

Heavy fighting is being witnessed simultaneously in the north and south of Gaza, resulting in the highest combat losses for Israeli troops in over a month. Among the casualties is a colonel, marking the first time a high-ranking officer has been killed in the ground campaign. The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of Gazans, with the majority of the population now homeless.

Demand for Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire

Israel is facing increasing diplomatic isolation as the United Nations calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed his concerns over the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, stating that it is costing Israel international support.

Annihilation of Hamas and its Consequences

Israel launched its campaign to annihilate the Hamas militant group, resulting in global sympathy. However, the situation has escalated, with Israeli forces besieging and causing significant damage to Gaza. Palestinian health authorities confirm that more than 18,000 people have been killed, and countless others are feared to be trapped or unaccounted for.

Intensified Fighting and Losses

Since the collapse of a week-long truce, Israeli forces have extended their ground campaign into the south, storming the city of Khan Younis. Heavy fighting has also been witnessed in the north, particularly in the Shejaiya and Jabaliya districts. In the past 24 hours alone, Israel has reported the deaths of ten soldiers, including a colonel, marking the worst one-day loss in over a month.

Hamas’ Response and Fierce Resistance

Hamas has declared that Israeli forces will never be able to subdue Gaza. The group has criticized Israeli leadership for disregarding the lives of its soldiers, stating that staying in Gaza will only lead to more casualties and losses. Residents of Khan Younis confirmed that the Israeli forces are facing fierce resistance, hindering their advancement.

Battle over Humanitarian Aid

The conflict has severely impacted the availability of humanitarian aid. Hospitals have ceased functioning, and medical staff are struggling to treat injured civilians. The limited aid reaching Gaza is primarily distributed in parts of Rafah near the Egyptian border. However, the recent heavy rains and winds have made conditions even more difficult for the hundreds of thousands of people living in makeshift shelters.

International Response and Calls for Ceasefire

The U.N. General Assembly has voted in favor of a ceasefire, indicating a shift in international support for Israel’s actions. The United States and European Union, while still expressing support for Israel, have voiced concerns about the indiscriminate bombing of civilians. Close U.S. allies, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have called for an end to the continuous suffering of Palestinian civilians.

The U.S.-Israeli Divide

There is a growing divide between the U.S. and Israeli leaders regarding the future of Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden has called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change his hardline government and support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu, however, opposes these suggestions and seeks an alternative solution for governing Gaza after the war.

Read More of this Story at www.reuters.com – 2023-12-13 11:15:19

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