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Families says Israeli gov’t ‘chose to give up life’ of captives
The main group representing most of the families of the Israeli captives in Gaza has blamed Netanyahu’s government for “choosing to give up the lives of the hostages” following its renewed attacks in Gaza.
“We are horrified, furious and scared by the intentional shattering of the process of returning our loved ones from the terrible Hamas captivity,” a statement by the group cited by The Times of Israel read.
“The return to fighting before the return of the last hostage will cost us the 59 hostages who are still in Gaza and who can still be saved and returned.”
Global community must force Israel to allow medical supplies into Gaza: Hospitals director
Mohammed Zaqout, the director-general of Gaza hospitals, has called on the international community to intervene and force Israel to allow medical supplies into the enclave. He said the situation inside hospitals is dire.
“Today, the occupation committed several massacres in all areas of the Gaza Strip, with hundreds of martyrs arriving to hospitals across the sector along with hundreds of wounded with severe injuries including fractures, burns and head injuries requiring urgent surgical intervention,” he said.
“Even during the ceasefire, the occupation did not allow the entry of medical equipment, devices and very necessary medical consumables to maintain what remains of the health system and functioning hospitals. The occupation has destroyed more than 22 hospitals, and fewer than seven hospitals are now operating partially,” Zaqout added.
Houthis vow escalation after latest Gaza assault
The Yemeni group has issued a statement denouncing Israel for its “resumption of aggression against the Gaza Strip”.
“The Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle, and Yemen will continue its support and assistance, and escalate confrontation steps,” said the group’s Supreme Political Council.
The Houthis have come under a wave of US attacks in recent days after threatening to renew attacks on Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea.
Attacks not a negotiation ploy but ‘clear sign Israel is back at war’
Mohamad Elmasry, a professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, says he is not convinced by suggestions that Israel’s heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip is some sort of a negotiating tactic.
“I think this is the resumption of war,” he told Al Jazeera, saying that Israel would not need to kill hundreds of Palestinians if it was “simply interested in applying pressure on Hamas”.
He said “Israel has been basically starving the Palestinians” since announcing a complete cutoff to all aid, including essential items, getting into Gaza.
“That’s certainly a war crime but I do think there was a possible interpretation at one point that Israel may be trying to apply pressure on Hamas,” Elmasry said.
“In this particular instance, I don’t think this is about applying pressure on Hamas; I think this is a clear signal that Israel is back to war.”
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