Palestinians have endured ‘sheer hell’: US state department
The US State Department’s deputy spokesperson says all loss of civilian life is “heartbreaking” as the death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza crossed 40,000.
“Any number above zero when it comes to the number of civilians who have lost their lives over the course of this conflict is saddening, troubling, and heartbreaking,” Vedant Patel said at a news conference.
“I think, as President Biden himself said earlier this month, Palestinian people have endured sheer hell. Since October 7, too many men, women, children, and civilians, who have had no role [in violence], have been impacted in the crossfire of Hamas’ making.
“We will continue to urge the Israelis to conduct their military operations in a way that limits civilian casualties.”
Patel added that the “fastest way” to create improved conditions on the ground was a deal that lead to an “immediate ceasefire, hostages released, and increased humanitarian aid and safe civilian return”.
“We really hope that with the process that restarted today, that is what is awaiting for us at the other side of the finish line,” he said.
No breakthrough expected today as Hamas absent from talks
Nobody is expecting a breakthrough today and ceasefire talks are expected to go on at least through Friday and possibly last for days.
While both sides have agreed to the outline proposed by US President Biden – that is a three-phase agreement – Hamas is not present at these talks as it says it’s not interested in talks that allow Israel to continue fighting.
What is discussed will be relayed to Hamas by Qatar and Egypt, but there’s not really a negotiation at this point. What is taking place at the moment is a one-sided conversation.
‘The world is complicit with Israel’: Gaza residents react as death toll tops 40,000
Israel’s war has now killed more than 40,000 Palestinians across Gaza, and the besieged territory’s Health Ministry says more than 16,456 of those deaths were children. The total number of victims is expected to be far higher as more than 10,000 people are still missing.
Several Gaza residents told Al Jazeera what they made of the passing of the grim milestone:
“If this happened in any European country, how would other countries react? How would the media respond? There would have been a reaction, condemnation and a stronger response,” Ismail Abu Karsh said. “We are at a stage where a person in Gaza has no value. They are just a number.”
Aseel Matar lambasted the international community for failing to stop the killings.
“Can you imagine what 40,000 means? It is a catastrophic number that the world cannot imagine,” she said. “Despite this, the world sees, is aware, hears and watches us every day, every minute, but remains silent, and we are powerless. We are exhausted. We have no energy left.”
Abu Mustafa said the world was complicit in Israel’s actions.
“Enough. Even if this is revenge against Palestinians, they have taken enough revenge. Enough. Intervention is needed,” he said. “What is happening proves that the world is complicit with Israel and the entire world is intent on the destruction of the Palestinian people.”
