Rising Tensions in Gaza: Airstrikes, Ceasefire Attempts, and International Response

The Gaza scene is getting tense with Israeli air strikes, multiple failed ceasefire attempts and the international community growing more and more concerned, here’s a summary of what’s happening.

Israeli Airstrikes and Rising Casualties

• Israeli air attacks on Rafah killed more than 20 Palestinians and 10 houses were completely destroyed.
• The overall death toll from Gaza has now reached 34,735, in which 78,108 people got injured.
• The Israeli forces also attacked the Al-Bureij refugee camp, due to which the situation became more tense.

Ceasefire Negotiations Falter

• Hamas agreed to the ceasefire proposal, it can be a turning point in the ongoing war.
• The agreement details are not out but as per sources the Hamas leadership has given a green signal to the Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
• However, despite this development, Israel did not respond to the proposals yet and therefore there is still a question mark on the ceasefire.

International Calls for Peace

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres has shown concern over the Rafah operation and demanded an instant ceasefire from both Israel and Hamas. He stressed the importance of protecting civilians under international law.
• Xi Jinping, China’s president called for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and supported the full recognition of Palestine as a UN member.
• Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has demanded an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and asked the British government to publicly support the ceasefire. He asked the government to stop Israel from attacking Rafah and intervene to save the lives of civilians, there are chances of a large number of civilian casualties.

US Response and Concerns

• The U.S. has said it doesn’t want Israel to start a full-fledged military operation in Rafah because of increased civilian casualties and human suffering.
• American authorities are looking at the response by Hamas on cease-fire proposals and talking to the regional partners about the situation.