Israeli Troops Divide Gaza as Communication Cut; UN Calls for Ceasefire

Israeli troops have divided the northern and southern parts of Gaza, causing temporary communication cuts throughout the area. It is reported that the troops will soon enter Gaza City. This development comes after Israeli airstrikes hit two refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, resulting in numerous casualties. The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war continues to rise, with over 9,700 Palestinian deaths, including more than 4,000 children. In the occupied West Bank, over 140 Palestinians have been killed, and over 1,400 people in Israel have lost their lives. Meanwhile, communication services in Gaza are gradually being restored, with internet connectivity returning to pre-blackout levels.
In diplomatic efforts to ease civilian suffering in Gaza, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has had limited success in his tour of the Middle East. Blinken has been advocating for “humanitarian pauses” in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the prevention of an expansion of the conflict. However, Israel has rejected this proposal, and Arab and Muslim nations are demanding an immediate cease-fire. The UN Security Council has scheduled closed consultations on the Israel-Hamas war following requests from China and the United Arab Emirates.
A group of Australians who fled Gaza due to the ongoing conflict have arrived in Sydney, expressing relief and gratitude for their safe escape. The Australian government continues to call for more Australians to be allowed to leave Gaza, as there are still citizens and permanent residents who wish to leave. The U.S. military has acknowledged positioning a nuclear-capable submarine in the Middle East, although it provided no further details. UN agencies and humanitarian organizations have called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and provide crucial supplies to the populace. Jordan has airdropped medical aid into Gaza, and King Abdullah II has recalled the ambassador to Israel and halted diplomatic relations until the Gaza crisis ends. The Israeli ambassador to the U.S. has referred to Gaza as the “biggest terror complex in the world” and highlighted the threat posed by fighters, rockets, and underground tunnels. Former U.S. President Barack Obama has criticized all sides of the conflict, stating that they are “complicit to some extent” in the ongoing violence.