In a move that sparked controversy, the United States blocked an extraordinary UN bid for a Gaza ceasefire on Friday, allowing Israeli forces to continue their relentless offensive against Hamas. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s deadly attack two months ago, has resulted in a tragic toll of 17,487 lives lost in the Palestinian territory, predominantly among women and children, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
Israel, determined to eradicate Hamas following its unprecedented attack on October 7, where militants breached Gaza’s militarized border, causing around 1,200 casualties and taking 138 hostages, has faced criticism on the international stage. The U.S. vetoed the UN resolution, dismissing it as “divorced from reality.” This decision came despite UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter to urgently convene a Security Council meeting for a ceasefire.
The situation in Gaza has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with vast areas reduced to wasteland, 80% of the population displaced, and severe shortages of essential resources. Despite warnings from the World Health Organization about the collapse of civilization in Gaza, the U.S. vetoed the resolution, prompting condemnation from organizations like Doctors Without Borders, which accused the Security Council of complicity in the ongoing slaughter.
Israeli military operations intensified, striking 450 targets in Gaza over 24 hours, with the Hamas health ministry reporting numerous casualties. The conflict has also spilled over into the West Bank, where Israeli forces shot dead six Palestinians, further escalating tensions. The armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, continued firing rockets towards Israeli territory, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Amid the diplomatic fallout, thousands of Jordanians protested near the U.S. embassy in Amman, denouncing Washington’s support for Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron joined global leaders in calling for more aid to Gaza, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reopen crucial checkpoints for humanitarian supplies.
As the conflict rages on, an AFP investigation into strikes in southern Lebanon on October 13, resulting in the death of a journalist, raised concerns. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for a “war crime” investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability amid the escalating regional tensions.
