Security council of Israel convenes to deliberate on retaliation plans for nations preparing to acknowledge the Palestinian state
In the past 24 hours, the Gaza Strip has been gripped by a violent escalation. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 84 people have been killed and more than 300 injured across the region as of Thursday morning local time. The ministry also reported three more deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the same period.
The ongoing conflict has forced thousands of people to flee Gaza City, yet many remain reluctant to move to the crowded areas the Israeli military has designated for them in the south of the strip. Hospitals across the region are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, and the United Nations estimates that 800,000 people are still living in Gaza City.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a security cabinet meeting to discuss Israel's response to several countries planning to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly. Among these nations are France, Canada, and Australia, who have announced their intentions to recognize a Palestinian state, joining nearly 150 of the 193 UN member states that already recognize Palestine.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population, with at least 370 people, including 131 children, having died due to malnutrition since October 7, 2023. The nuns and clergy of the last two remaining churches in Gaza City have vowed to remain in the city to care for the hundreds of civilians sheltering in the buildings. Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to the war and has supported the last two remaining churches in Gaza City.
Israeli Defense Forces troops are maneuvering in Gaza City, specifically in the Zeitoun neighborhood and on the outskirts of the northern Sheik Radwan neighborhood. Operations on the outskirts of the city have resulted in further deaths and evacuations. According to IDF spokesman Effie Defrin, Israel holds "40% of Gaza City."
Tensions have risen regionally as well, with a top Emirati official warning that an Israeli decision to annex the West Bank would end regional integration efforts, implying the United Arab Emirates could pull out of the Abraham Accords. The planned discussion on annexing parts of the West Bank has been dropped from the Israeli security cabinet's agenda.
In a significant development, the United Kingdom has stated it would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel refuses to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Belgium has also made a similar announcement, stating it would recognize a Palestinian state if all hostages held by Hamas are returned and Hamas is removed from political power across the Gaza Strip.
In a rare meeting, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday. The discussions between the two leaders are not yet public, but their meeting comes amidst the ongoing conflict and international pressure on both Israel and Palestine to find a resolution.
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