- By Vivek Raj
- Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:32 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In the midst of the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has now entered into second month, the calls for a 'humanitarian pause' are increasing. However, Israel has consistently declined calls for a ceasefire, even as multiple nations, including the United States, have urged for such humanitarian pauses in the ongoing war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun their operations in Gaza's main city, a region that is believed to have a significant presence of Hamas operatives.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has so far claimed approximately 12,000 lives with millions displaced from their homes.
Israel-Hamas war: Here are the top ten updates
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent interview with ABC, where he discussed the prospect of overseeing Gaza's security, has sparked concerns about a potential reoccupation of the Palestinian territory. A senior White House official, John Kirby, referenced President Biden's stance, emphasizing that a reoccupation of Gaza by Israeli forces is deemed unfavorable, both for Israel and its people.
- The Israel-Gaza conflict is set to take center stage in the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa reached a consensus on this matter during their bilateral meeting in Tokyo late on Tuesday. Blinken stressed the significance of this moment, underlining the need for G7 unity in addressing the crisis and conveying a unified message, as reported by the State Department.
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- Five hostages have been released from captivity under Hamas thus far. Nevertheless, the families of those individuals who remain believed to be held in Gaza express concern over the slow pace of their release. “I want to know that my kids are alive…We don’t know if they are eating. We don’t know if they are drinking. If they are hurt,” mother of two siblings told AP.
- Saudi Arabia is set to host summits involving Arab and Islamic nations in the near future, focusing on deliberations concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said that, in the immediate context, the primary goal of these three summits and related gatherings, led by Saudi Arabia, is to advance toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
- Israel is planning to establish a new city, named 'Hanun,' which means "merciful." This city will be located in the vicinity of the area near Gaza, where Hamas militants launched attacks on October 7. 'Hanun' is intended to have a population consisting of approximately 500 families, representing a mix of religious and secular communities.
- US Vice President Kamala Harris held discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the latest developments in the conflict. During their conversation, she reaffirmed her support for Israel's right to defend its citizens and combat terrorism in the aftermath of the Hamas attack.
-The Israeli military's advance into Gaza City raises concerns about an inevitable increase in the already high death toll. Furthermore, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks on controlling Gaza’s security for “an indefinite period” suggest an uncertain conclusion to a war that Israel anticipates will be protracted and challenging.
- In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, a development with economic implications for India has emerged. Israel has launched a program to employ up to 1 lakh Indian workers in its labor force. This initiative is a response to the displacement of 90,000 Palestinian workers who lost their work permits following the recent hostilities.
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- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) estimate that Hamas is currently holding approximately 240 Israeli hostages in Gaza, including men, women, and children. To date, only four hostages have been released by the militant group, consisting of two elderly Israeli women and an American mother and daughter. Israel has maintained its stance that a cease-fire will not be considered until all hostages are freed.
- So far, the ongoing war has claimed approximately 12,000 lives. The Palestinian health authority has said, the death toll has surpassed 10,000 and the October 7 attack by Hamas also claimed around 1,400 lives. The UN says, half of the deaths in Palestine involve children.
