Palestinian President Urges Immediate Cease-Fire in Gaza, Calls for Aid
In a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized the need for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the importance of allowing aid to enter the region, according to his spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeineh. The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has faced criticism and declining popularity due to allegations of corruption and incompetence, as well as its security cooperation with Israel.
Secretary Blinken Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Gaza Humanitarian Assistance
During his surprise visit to the occupied West Bank, Secretary Blinken met with President Abbas and expressed the United States’ commitment to delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance and resuming essential services in Gaza. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Blinken also stressed the importance of preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians and the need to hold accountable those responsible for extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Miller further added that the United States is dedicated to working towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Israeli Minister Suspended Over Nuclear Bomb Comment
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended Minister of Jewish Heritage Amihai Eliyahu after he made comments on a radio show suggesting the use of a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip as an option. Eliyahu, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, faced immediate criticism within Israel, with opposition leader calling his comments “shocking and crazy” and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that people like Eliyahu should not be in charge of Israel’s security. Eliyahu later clarified that he was speaking metaphorically, but the comments were still widely condemned.
Blinken Visits Occupied West Bank, Plans to Meet Turkish President
Secretary Blinken made an unannounced visit to the occupied West Bank, where he met with President Abbas. The details of the meeting were not disclosed. Following his visit, Blinken will travel to Ankara to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Erdoğan, who previously positioned himself as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict, recalled Turkish ambassadors to Tel Aviv and severed ties with Prime Minister Netanyahu, holding him responsible for the ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
Hamas Claims Israeli Strikes Killed Hostages, IDF Does Not Respond
Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida stated that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed 60 hostages, while he alleged that 23 Israeli hostages remain buried under rubble due to the ongoing aggression. These numbers could not be independently verified by NBC News, and the Israel Defense Forces did not respond to the allegations.
Maternal Health Services in Gaza Affected by Israeli Strikes
Humanitarian agencies, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, have warned that Israeli strikes on healthcare infrastructure in Gaza are having a disproportionate impact on expectant mothers and newborn babies. Reduced capacity and collapsing water and electricity supplies have disrupted maternal and child health services, forcing women to deliver in emergency shelters and on the streets. The lack of clean water and sanitation services has led to a rise in medical complications and infections. Hospitals are running out of fuel, threatening the lives of premature babies in intensive care.
Blinken Meets with Jordanian King, Pledges Support for Gaza
During a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Secretary Blinken reiterated the U.S.’ commitment to resuming essential services and delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza. He also expressed concerns about the increasing violence in the West Bank. The United States has faced pressure from Arab leaders to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, but has not done so thus far.
Protesters Rally in Washington, D.C., Call for Cease-Fire
Demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C., over the weekend to show support for Palestinians and call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Some protesters left red handprints on a fence in front of the White House, symbolizing the bloodshed in Gaza. While there was an attempted gate trespass, it was handled without incident by the Secret Service. As of now, no arrests have been made.
Families Demand Release of Hostages in Tel Aviv Protest
Thousands of people, including families of the 241 hostages held in the Gaza Strip, participated in a protest in Tel Aviv, demanding the immediate release of their loved ones. The demonstrators called for a cease-fire in exchange for the hostages’ return and held pictures of the captives, including children and older individuals. The abduction of the hostages by Hamas militants triggered the ongoing conflict. The families urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to take action and halt all humanitarian aid to Gaza until the hostages are freed.
Israel Defense Forces Target Hamas Tunnels
The Israel Defense Forces are strategically navigating and destroying Hamas tunnels in Gaza. As experts in tunnel warfare, they are working to neutralize a crucial aspect of Hamas’ military infrastructure.
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