Escalating Concerns Over Civilian Casualties Amid Israel's Military Advances in Gaza
International support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza wanes as civilian casualties rise Belgium's leader adds to the growing list of friendly nations voicing concern over the mounting death toll
International backing for Israel's military operations in Gaza continued to dwindle as the conflict entered its fifth week. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo added his voice to the growing chorus of nations condemning the escalating civilian casualties, particularly referencing an Israeli airstrike on a Hamas leader that resulted in numerous deaths at a refugee camp, as reported by Palestinian hospital authorities.
Other leaders, the UN, and aid organizations have expressed concerns about the humanitarian consequences of Israel's relentless aerial bombardment, fuel blockade, and severe restrictions on the entry of food and water into Gaza. Last week, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated that Israel's actions in Gaza are reminiscent of revenge, leading to the recall of ambassadors to Israel by countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. While key allies such as the United States and United Kingdom continue to support Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the mounting pressure on his country, stating that Israeli diplomats are working tirelessly to provide flexibility for the remaining military operation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
According to the Palestinian health authority in Ramallah, more than 10,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since Israel initiated the siege. These figures are based on sources within the Hamas-controlled enclave. Israel's objective in its air and ground offensive in Gaza is to completely eradicate Hamas, following their terrorist attacks on October 7 which resulted in the death of 1,400 individuals and the abduction of around 240 others. As concerns rise about the destruction of residential areas, medical facilities, and UN-operated schools serving as shelters in Gaza, the IDF declared on Tuesday that it is ready to target Hamas anywhere necessary, even if it means damaging civilian infrastructure that Hamas may be using.
Israel has accused Hamas of utilizing civilians and civilian establishments, such as hospitals, as human shields. Conversely, Hamas and multiple hospitals within the enclave have refuted these allegations.
According to an IDF spokesperson, Israel has targeted over 14,000 "terrorist targets" in the past month. They assert that this extensive operation has resulted in the elimination of Hamas fighters and the destruction of Hamas tunnel shafts and weaponry.
On November 6, 2023, amidst the ongoing clashes between Israel and the militant group Hamas, a Palestinian family finds themselves near demolished homes following a strike in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. The photograph, taken by MOHAMMED ABED, depicts the scene of devastation. The caption reads, "A Palestinian family sits near destroyed houses following a strike in Rafah on the southern Gaza Strip on November 6, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas."
Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images
Gaza becoming a graveyard for children, UN chief warns as calls for ceasefire intensify
Israel's military operation on the secluded region seems to have intensified lately. On Tuesday, Netanyahu declared that Gaza City is now "encircled" and the IDF is gradually increasing pressure on Hamas, hour by hour and day by day. In response to Israeli evacuation instructions, civilians in the northern part of Gaza are relocating to the south. However, aid organizations deem widespread evacuation impractical.
Starting from Wednesday, Israel has established a humanitarian passage for a limited duration of four hours daily. This enables the residents of northern Gaza to move towards the southern region. On Tuesday, CNN witnessed a considerable number of Palestinians, including women, children, and elderly individuals, walking along the designated pathway. Video footage captured some individuals waving white flags and displaying their identification cards.
However, it is crucial to note that Gaza lacks completely secure areas. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli airstrikes resulted in numerous explosions in the central and southern parts of Gaza on Tuesday morning.
Two explosions were reported in a camp for displaced individuals in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza. Videos filmed in the city show injured children being carried by adults. CNN has contacted the IDF for a comment regarding the explosions but has not received a response yet.
The IDF claims to conduct numerous airstrikes daily, targeting what they deem as Hamas objectives in Gaza. They maintain their stance of striking whenever deemed essential.
The UN relief agency UNRWA has characterized the conditions within their shelters as excessively crowded and "inhumane." In a statement on Monday, they cautioned about an imminent public health emergency caused by the compromised water and sanitation structures.
CNN hears from Palestinians fleeing to Southern Gaza as they share the perils of their treacherous journey. Mira Ziydeh recounts, "Heading towards the south comes with great risks. I have brought along some water to quench our thirst as there is a severe shortage, and we were fortunate to secure this meager supply."
CNN has previously stated that Israel's pursuit of its military objectives in Gaza will face mounting challenges, as criticism grows over the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Biden informed reporters on Tuesday that during their phone conversation on Monday, he requested the Israeli leader to consider implementing a humanitarian ceasefire.
However, Netanyahu maintains his stance that he will only agree to a ceasefire once Hamas releases the numerous hostages it currently holds in Gaza. The prime minister stated in an interview with ABC news on Monday that shorter breaks in the fighting, which he referred to as "tactical little pauses," may be allowed for the transit of humanitarian aid or the release of hostages.
The US has cautioned Israel about its Gaza plans post-war, in response to Netanyahu's statements to ABC that Israel should assume "overall security responsibility" in the Palestinian enclave indefinitely.
"The president maintains his belief that an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza is detrimental - not only for Israel, but also for the Israeli people," stated John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, during an interview with CNN.
In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday, Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, attempted to address the divide by stating that Israel is "not referring to a continuous occupation of the Gaza strip." Regev emphasized the need to differentiate between a security presence and political control, adding that once Hamas is defeated, it is imperative to prevent the resurgence of terrorist activities or a revived Hamas movement. He stressed that it would be pointless to undertake these efforts only to return to the initial situation.
CNNs Abeer Salman, Eyad Kourdi, Niamh Kennedy and Andrew Carey contributed reporting to this story.
