Israel continues aggressive attacks killing over 90 in Gaza, 23 nations call for ceasefire

Israel has been relentlessly bombing the Gaza Strip for nearly a year and a half. In retaliation to a terrorist attack by Hamas, Israel has carried out extensive air and ground strikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of women and children.

Amid this ongoing crisis, 23 countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, have now put pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza. However, Israel continued its airstrikes on Tuesday, killing around 90 more people.

Alongside its air and ground attacks, Israel had also restricted humanitarian aid from reaching Palestinian civilians, which had been provided by the international community. 

Due to mounting global pressure, Israel has now allowed partial humanitarian aid. As a result, on Tuesday, 100 aid trucks carrying food supplies were granted entry into Gaza. However, it remains unclear whether this aid has reached the 2 million people of Gaza who have been facing starvation for over three months due to Israel’s blockade.

Despite the international pressure, Israel has launched a new military operation in Gaza. It stated that the operation’s goal is to rescue hostages held by Hamas and to eliminate the group entirely. 

Nations warn Israel

On Tuesday, more than 85 people were killed in the attacks. In recent days, over 300 people have died in Gaza due to Israeli strikes. In response to Israel’s aggression, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a joint statement warning that if Israel does not halt its new military operations and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, they will take concrete steps, including imposing trade sanctions against Israel.

Australia, along with the 23 other countries, strongly criticised Israel for limiting humanitarian assistance and for the continued military siege of Gaza. Nations including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia appealed to Israel not to politicize humanitarian aid for a population facing starvation.

Responding to the pressure from these 23 countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the leaders of these nations are asking Israel to stop a war it is fighting for its own security. He added that these countries are also demanding the recognition of a Palestinian state. 

“By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities,” Netanyahu wrote on X.

He further wrote, “Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t”.