Netanyahu is being pressured to consider a two-state solution for the Israel-Hamas conflict, while southern Gaza continues to be bombarded without pause.
Note from the editor: This article contains a graphic image of a deceased child that may be upsetting to some readers.
Gaza Strip — Gazans sheltered Monday from intense bombing and shooting in the city of Khan Younis, as pressure built on Israel for an eventual two-state solution involving statehood long sought by Palestinians. Witnesses reported deadly strikes and fierce
Clashes between the Israeli military and Hamas militants
Overnight, militants attacked the southern city, which is now considered the main battleground of the ongoing war.
The Gaza health ministry, under Hamas control, announced on Monday that over 120 individuals were fatally wounded in the last day.
Yunis Abdel Razek, age 52, reported that artillery attacks have been ongoing since 5:00 am. He and his family are currently seeking shelter at Al-Aqsa University in the city.
STAFF/REUTERS
Mahdi Antar, 21, had
took shelter at Al-Nasser hospital
A resident of Khan Younis expressed his fear and distress about the current situation, stating that there have been continuous bombings and shootings. He also expressed concern about the safety of the hospital, fearing that it may be stormed.
Netanyahu refuses to comply with requests to reduce forces in Gaza; Biden acknowledges that attacks on Houthis are not effective.
The Israeli leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, has faced criticism from the United Nations and challenged the stance of the United States, a major provider of military assistance to Israel, by refusing to participate in talks regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state. The U.S. has consistently pushed for a two-state resolution as the solution to the enduring dispute between Israelis and Palestinians.
The prime minister of Israel restated and defended his refusal to accept the idea in a video message aired on Sunday evening. He declared, “My persistence is what has prevented the creation of a Palestinian state that would pose a threat to Israel’s existence over the years. As long as I hold the position of prime minister, I will vigorously maintain this stance.”
Maliki called for the EU to demand a prompt end to hostilities and also urged the bloc to contemplate imposing sanctions on Netanyahu for sabotaging prospects for a two-state resolution.
Jehad Alshrafi/Anadolu/Getty
According to Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, the international community universally views a two-state solution as the sole means of resolving this unfortunate situation.
According to Katz, his purpose in Brussels was to address the importance of “bringing our hostages home and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.”
Hamas refers to its act of terror as a defensive measure.
The discussions occurred one day after Hamas released a 16-page document, written in both Arabic and English, detailing the reasoning behind their unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7th, which has led to the ongoing conflict.
Hamas, an organization classified as a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S., and the European Union, referred to the attacks as a defensive measure and a necessary action against Israeli occupation. They stated that it was a move to reclaim Palestinian rights and work towards liberation and independence, similar to other nations.
According to Israeli authorities, Hamas insurgents have caused the deaths of 1,200 individuals in the southern region of Israel, primarily civilians. Additionally, they have taken approximately 240 individuals as hostages. While half of these hostages have been released, it is estimated that around 132 people are still being held in Gaza by Hamas or other factions.
caused widespread destruction and displacement, killing at least 200 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more.
In retaliation, Israel has launched an unrelenting attack that has resulted in extensive damage and forced many people to flee, resulting in the deaths of at least 200 Palestinians and injuries to hundreds more.
At least 25,295 individuals were reported to have died.
According to the latest report from Gaza’s health ministry, approximately 70% of the individuals affected are women and children.
Families of hostages storm a meeting of the Israeli government.
According to the Wall Street Journal, American intelligence agencies have determined that the Israeli attack in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 20% to 30% of Hamas combatants. However, the offensive is still a long way from achieving its objective of completely dismantling the organization.
After the Hamas report, Netanyahu released a video statement stating that if his government were to comply with Hamas’ demands for the release of the remaining hostages, it would be a waste and security would not be ensured. These demands include an immediate end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and ensuring Hamas’ continued control, according to Netanyahu.
The leader of Israel is facing strong pressure to release the detainees and take responsibility for the security failures that occurred during the October 7th attacks.
The family and friends of the prisoners have been organizing frequent protests. On Monday, they intensified their efforts by disrupting a meeting of the parliamentary finance committee, where they yelled and displayed signs.
One of the protesters sharply criticized the Israel lawmakers, exclaiming “You should be ashamed!” and urging them to stand up for their fellow brothers.
Reuters/Knesset Channel
“Another person demanded, ‘Yesterday, the prime minister stated that there would not be a deal. On whose behalf is there no deal? What authority does he have to refuse negotiating a deal?'”
In an effort to arrange a new agreement for a prisoner exchange, American authorities verified with CBS News that Brett McGurk, the White House’s coordinator for the Middle East, would be heading to Egypt on Monday to meet with important figures, and then traveling to Qatar. These three nations played a role in facilitating a week-long ceasefire in late November, resulting in the release of 80 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israel.
The escalation of conflicts and aggression in the Middle East, specifically involving groups supported by Iran in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, has caused concerns about a potential larger-scale conflict.
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Source: cbsnews.com