The provided text discusses the ongoing conflict in gaza, focusing on the humanitarian crisis and international reactions. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Distribution:
Aid Truck Incident: Thousands of people rushed aid trucks, leading to shooting. The Israeli military confirmed firing “warning shots” at Gazans gathered around the trucks, but stated they were unaware of casualties. However, an AFP correspondent saw bullet-riddled Palestinian corpses at a hospital.
Allegations of Looting: A witness claimed Israeli troops opened fire after a crowd surged towards a convoy because people saw “thieves stealing and dropping food.”
Health Ministry Warning: The Hamas-led Gaza government’s health ministry urged Palestinians not to loot a new aid convoy, stating it contained medical supplies, not food.
Othre Casualties: An additional 32 people were reported killed by civil defense in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Thursday.
International Pressure and Political Stances:
Trump’s Position: Donald Trump has been a strong defender of Israel, but he has also expressed concern about the situation in Gaza, stating the territory faces “real starvation,” which contradicts Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s claims that hunger reports are exaggerated.
UN and International Experts: UN-backed experts have reported that “famine is now unfolding” in gaza, with images of emaciated children drawing international outrage.
Support for Palestinian Statehood: Countries like France, the UK, and Canada are now supporting Palestinian statehood.
German Diplomat’s Visit: Germany’s top diplomat was expected in Jerusalem for talks with Netanyahu and the Israeli Foreign minister.
Canadian Stance: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned of the need for “coordinated international action to support peace” due to the worsening suffering of civilians.
Israeli Reaction to Canada: Israel criticized canada’s announcement as part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure.”
US Reaction to Canada: Trump warned that trade negotiations with Canada could be affected by what Washington views as a premature bid to back Palestine.
Context of the conflict:
Duration: the fighting in Gaza has lasted for almost 22 months.
Trigger: The conflict was triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,219 deaths.
Hostages: Of the 251 Israelis kidnapped on October 7, 49 are still held in Gaza, with 27 declared dead by the Israeli military.
* palestinian Casualties: The israeli campaign has killed 60,249 Palestinians, according to the Hamas government’s health ministry. AFP has not been able to verify this death toll.