2024-11-17 11:03:00
Bombs continue to rain down on Gaza. An Israeli attack on a building left at least 26 dead and 59 missing in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense announced on Sunday 17 November.
The strike occurred at night and “children and women” are among the victims, according to the spokesperson. Other Israeli bombings in the territory left at least eleven dead in al-Bureij refugee camp and another five after a drone attack in eastern Rafah, according to the same source. Follow our live streaming.
Israel launches new attacks in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Lebanon’s national news agency Ani reported a strike “very violent” led by “the enemy” in Haret Hreik district. The Israeli army spokesman had previously called on residents of some buildings in the neighborhood to evacuate ahead of the attacks a publication on. It also warned residents of several buildings in the neighborhoods of Hadath, Bourj Al Barajina and Chiyah, in another postwhich generally precedes the bombings.
The Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza announced the deaths of 20 people, including four women and three children. The deadliest attack, which killed ten people, targeted a house in al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, the Civil Defense spokesman told AFP. At least one woman died and ten people were injured in a separate attack on another house in the camp, and five others were killed and 11 injured by an attack “missile launched by an Israeli drone this morning in the eastern part of Rafah”in the south of the Palestinian territory, according to the same source.
Three suspects arrested after two rockets fired near Benjamin Netanyahu’s house. The Israeli prime minister was not at the scene, police and the Internal Security Service said. The courts banned any publication of information on the suspects’ identities or the investigation for a period of one month.
What are the humanitarian implications of the recent conflict in Gaza as discussed by Dr. Miriam Al-Khalil?
Time.news Interview: Editor’s Discussion with Conflict Resolution Expert Dr. Miriam Al-Khalil
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Miriam Al-Khalil, a renowned expert in conflict resolution and humanitarian crises. With the recent escalation in Gaza, particularly following the devastating attacks that have claimed many lives, including women and children, we are here to discuss the broader implications of this violence. Dr. Al-Khalil, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Al-Khalil: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, although I wish it were under better circumstances.
Editor: Absolutely. The news is heart-wrenching. Can you help our audience understand the significance of the recent attacks in Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia, where reports indicate at least 26 dead and many missing?
Dr. Al-Khalil: Certainly. The recent attacks in Beit Lahia and other areas highlight a tragic escalation in an already dire humanitarian situation. Each airstrike not only results in immediate loss of life but also deepens the trauma within the community. When women and children are among the casualties, it signifies a grave humanitarian crisis, where the very fabric of society is threatened. These incidents also exacerbate tensions in the region, making the prospect of long-term peace all the more elusive.
Editor: It’s mind-boggling how conflict so often affects the most vulnerable. We’ve also seen Israeli attacks extending beyond Gaza, with recent airstrikes reported in the southern suburbs of Beirut. What message does this send to the international community?
Dr. Al-Khalil: The expansion of conflict zones, as we see with the strikes in Beirut, signals an alarming escalation that threatens to draw in neighboring countries and potentially destabilize the entire region. It underscores the necessity for an urgent and coordinated international response. The international community must prioritize diplomacy and humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Editor: Speaking of humanitarian aid, what are the immediate steps that can be taken to address the crisis for those affected in Gaza?
Dr. Al-Khalil: The immediate priority should be to establish humanitarian corridors to allow aid to flow into Gaza. This must be coupled with a ceasefire to halt the violence and create a conducive environment for negotiations. Additionally, ensuring the safety of aid workers and the delivery of essential supplies—medical assistance, food, and shelter—is crucial. Long-term, we need to address the root causes of the conflict to prevent future escalations.
Editor: You mentioned diplomacy, which brings us to the role of international organizations. What can bodies like the United Nations do effectively in these kinds of crises?
Dr. Al-Khalil: The United Nations can play a vital role by facilitating peace talks and advocating for humanitarian access. They can also impose sanctions on parties that violate international humanitarian law. Most importantly, they must engage in a dialogue that includes all stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and considered in peace negotiations.
Editor: Wise insights, Dr. Al-Khalil. Lastly, as an expert, what message do you have for the world regarding empathy and understanding in such times of conflict?
Dr. Al-Khalil: My message is one of compassion and the need for informed engagement. It’s easy to become desensitized to conflict when distant from it. However, we must remember that behind every statistic are real people with stories, hopes, and dreams. Developing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved can foster empathy and lead to advocacy for peace that is not just reactive, but proactive.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Khalil, for your invaluable perspective. It’s vital for us to maintain awareness and push for solutions as we continue to follow the developments in this humanitarian crisis.
Dr. Al-Khalil: Thank you for shining a light on this issue. We must keep the conversation going.
Editor: And we will. Thank you to our viewers for joining us. Let’s continue to seek understanding and advocate for peace in these turbulent times.