NUNZIUM

The Israeli-Hamas conflict, a product of the long-standing territorial dispute between Israel and Palestine, has taken a severe turn with the abduction of over 200 hostages by Hamas, sparking global protests in support of Palestine. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has accused Hamas of using hospitals as command centres and funding their military operations with Iranian aid. Despite the escalating conflict, Hamas has shown a willingness to release the hostages if Israel frees all Palestinians in its prisons.

The Israeli military, under the leadership of Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, has launched a new offensive phase against Hamas. This has led to the declaration of Gaza City as a battlefield, resulting in the displacement of numerous civilians and the destruction of Hamas infrastructure. The Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has announced that Israel is moving to the next stage of the war.

The international community's response to the conflict has been varied. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, while countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey have condemned Israel's military campaign. The European Union has called for a pause in hostilities to allow humanitarian aid into the area, a move hindered by what Egypt's Foreign Ministry has called "Israeli obstacles."

The conflict has strained Israel's relationship with the United Nations, as evidenced by Israel's reaction to Guterres' condemnation of Hamas' terrorist attacks and his reference to the Palestinian people's over 50 years of occupation. In response, Israel has ceased issuing visas to UN envoys.

The humanitarian crisis is escalating rapidly. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 7,300 people have been killed and 18,500 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The UN Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warns that over 2 million people are affected by the crisis, with hospitals facing dwindling resources and power shortages.

The international community is divided over the crisis resolution. While a UN resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities was supported by 120 nations, Israel’s ambassador to the UN criticized it for not explicitly condemning Hamas. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has deployed two aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean as a warning to Hezbollah and Iran, urging Israel to exercise restraint.

The conflict could potentially spread across the region, drawing in more states and groups, including the US and Russia. Experts warn of further civilian casualties and suggest that the international community should focus on easing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The situation remains dire. As the conflict continues, the urgent need for a peaceful resolution becomes increasingly apparent.