Israel faced intensified pressure on Wednesday from its allies concerning its actions in the Gaza conflict, with the United States, a key supporter, criticizing the indiscriminate nature of its bombing in response to the October 7 attacks.
The United Nations General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution, backed by an overwhelming majority, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the devastated territory.
The conflict, sparked by an unprecedented attack from Hamas on October 7, resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians, according to Israeli authorities. The Hamas-run health ministry reported a higher toll, with more than 18,400 people, primarily women and children, reportedly killed in the war. The latest wave of Israeli air strikes added at least 50 more casualties, as per the ministry’s report.
The United States, while expressing continued support for Israel, voiced concerns over the safety of innocent Palestinians, emphasizing the need for Israel to exercise greater caution to avoid civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a disagreement with U.S. President Biden over the governance of post-conflict Gaza, indicating a rare rift between the allies.
Other key allies of Israel, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, joined in calling for a ceasefire, emphasizing that efforts to defeat Hamas should not result in continuous suffering for Palestinian civilians. The leaders expressed alarm at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza.
The UN General Assembly’s resolution for a ceasefire received significant support, with 153 out of 193 member nations voting in favor. Despite the U.S. and Israel voting against it, the number of supporting countries exceeded those routinely backing resolutions condemning other conflicts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As the situation in Gaza was described as “hell on earth” by the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, concerns grew over the spread of diseases due to overcrowded living conditions and the destruction of infrastructure. Aid groups urged Israel to enhance efforts to protect civilians, warning of an imminent crisis of starvation and disease in the territory.
The article also highlighted the devastating impact of Israeli air strikes on Gaza’s infrastructure, with 18 percent reportedly destroyed, and an estimated 1.9 million out of 2.4 million people displaced. The risk of a wider conflict looms, with Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. and allied forces in Iraq and Syria, coupled with daily exchanges of fire along Israel’s border with Lebanon.
