Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs to Confer with Blinken as Gaza Deadline Approaches

Today, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is scheduled to sit down with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, as announced by the State Department. This meeting comes at a critical juncture, with the deadline imposed by Washington to improve conditions in Gaza fast approaching.

The discussion is set for 5 p.m. local time (which translates to 10 p.m. in Ireland), although the public agenda provided little insight into the specifics of their conversation.

However, hopes for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza have taken a hit, as Qatar has announced the suspension of its mediation efforts. On a somewhat contrasting note, Israel claimed there has been progress in the ceasefire discussions regarding its hostilities in Lebanon.

In a letter issued on October 13, the U.S. government indicated that Israel has a 30-day window to undertake measures aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza. The region has been under severe strain, with nearly its entire population displaced due to Israel’s ongoing military actions over the past thirteen months, which have led to dire food shortages and grave allegations of genocide at the international level—claims that Israel firmly rejects.

Interestingly, some analysts suggest that the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden may be losing its influence, especially with the impending inauguration of Republican Donald Trump, expected in January.

As events unfold, distressing reports indicate that at least eleven individuals lost their lives following an Israeli armored incursion into the Nuseirat refugee camp, located in central Gaza. Eyewitnesses revealed that the Israeli tanks unleashed gunfire as they advanced, igniting panic among residents and displacing numerous families.

One affected local recounted the shock of the assault, sharing, “The tanks’ arrival was completely unexpected. Some people were stuck in their homes, desperately asking to be let out, while others scrambled to escape with whatever belongings they could grab.”

With the conflict now extending into its 14th month, Israel is intensifying its military efforts in Gaza’s northern and central regions, asserting that it aims to neutralize Hamas’s military capabilities and thwart any attempts at regrouping.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have received evacuation orders, raising fears that they may never have the opportunity to return home. The chance for a ceasefire seemed even more elusive over the weekend, as Qatar opted to pause its mediation until both Israel and Hamas demonstrated a sincere willingness to negotiate.

In the latest wave of violence, medics reported that seven people were killed in Nuseirat due to two Israeli airstrikes, one of which targeted a tent encampment. In Beit Lahiya, a northern town that has seen increased Israeli operations since early October, four additional fatalities were reported following an airstrike.

Tragically, at Kamal Adwan Hospital near Beit Lahiya, three medical workers were injured due to Israeli drone fire, raising alarms about the safety of healthcare facilities amid the conflict. The Israeli military has yet to release an official statement regarding these latest incidents.

In another development, the Israeli military announced the elimination of a senior Islamic Jihad commander, Mohammad Abu Skhail, during an airstrike on Saturday at what was once a school in Gaza City. Palestinian medics have reported that the strike resulted in six casualties as well.

Hospitals in the Jabalia district are running critically low on food and medical supplies, as Israeli forces have maintained a siege for several weeks. Hospital officials have resisted orders to evacuate, prioritizing their patients’ care despite dwindling resources.

The Israeli military argues that Hamas exploits Gaza’s civilian population for military purposes, a claim that Hamas vehemently denies. Ground operations have been underway in several areas of northern Gaza, including Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia, since last month, with the army asserting that they have neutralized hundreds of militants in Jabalia and its surroundings.

Despite these claims, the armed factions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad assert that their fighters have effectively conducted ambushes and missile attacks, boasting of significant casualties among Israeli soldiers in recent weeks.

In a turn of events, the Israeli military declared it had expanded what it termed a “humanitarian zone,” committing to facilitate the entry of increased supplies, including tents, food, water, and medical necessities. They stated, “We will continue to work towards our objectives, which include dismantling Hamas and ensuring the return of all abducted individuals.”

However, Palestinian and United Nations officials argue that no truly safe haven exists within Gaza—a densely populated area housing over 2.1 million people, which is now in shambles. The hostilities ignited on October 7, 2023, following a brutal Hamas assault on Israeli settlements that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the capture of 253 hostages, according to Israeli sources.

As the situation escalates, humanitarian reports indicate that Israel’s military campaign has devastated vast sections of Gaza, causing around 43,500 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials. The suffering continues, casting a long shadow over hopes for peace in the region.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More