Three weeks after the devastating massacre by Islamist terrorists, new counterattacks by the Israeli army signal an intensification of the Gaza war. After a number of air raids on Saturday evening, there were increasing suspicions that the expected ground offensive could have begun. The Israeli military did not initially confirm this, but had previously announced that it would expand its ground operations against Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip. The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution to improve the humanitarian situation and call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The situation there has deteriorated again due to the collapse of the communications network.
Germany abstains from UN resolution
The UN resolution adopted in New York on Friday (local time) achieved the necessary two-thirds majority in the General Assembly. 120 countries voted in favor, 14 against; Germany was one of 45 who abstained. Resolutions of the UN General Assembly are not legally binding; they are considered to have rather a symbolic signaling effect – and in this case the vote also provides information about the mood of the world community in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The more powerful UN Security Council, whose decisions are binding, had previously failed several times to adopt a resolution addressing the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution that has now been adopted condemns, among other things, all violence against the Israeli and Palestinian civilian population, calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all “illegally detained” civilians and demands unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. It also calls for an “immediate, permanent and lasting humanitarian ceasefire” leading to a “cessation of hostilities”.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock justified Germany’s abstention by saying the document was not balanced enough. “Because the resolution does not clearly mention Hamas terror, does not clearly enough call for the release of all hostages and does not affirm Israel’s right to self-defense, we and many of our European partners ultimately decided not to agree to the resolution . “, she said after the vote.
As expected, the conflicting parties themselves responded very differently to the vote in New York. “We firmly reject the UN General Assembly’s despicable call for a ceasefire,” Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said. “Israel plans to eliminate Hamas.” This is what the world did to the Nazis and the Islamic State (IS) terrorist militia. Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan spoke of a “dark day for the UN and for humanity” that will go down in history with shame. However, Hamas welcomed the adoption of the resolution and called on the UN to take immediate action to implement it.
Hamas talks about Israeli ground operations
The Islamic organization’s military wing claimed there were ground operations by the Israeli army and violent clashes in Beit Hanun, in the north of the Gaza Strip and east of the Al-Bureij refugee camp. Both places are close to the border. The information provided by the Al-Kassam Brigades late on Friday evening could not be independently verified. The Israeli military had previously announced it would expand its ground operations in the densely populated coastal area.
It was initially unclear whether the announcement marked the start of the expected ground offensive. The army had previously made isolated, time-limited advances on the ground. Jordanian Foreign Minister Aiman Safadi expressed his belief: “Israel has just started a ground war against Gaza,” he wrote on X.
No communication in the Gaza Strip – concerns about reporting
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is already catastrophic – and could become even worse in the event of a ground offensive with bloody street fighting between residential buildings, more airstrikes and possible artillery fire. The Palestinian Telecommunications Company also stated that all communications services and internet were now available across the board. West Bank-based company Paltel said heavy bombing by the Israeli army was to blame.
Several aid organizations reported losing contact with their employees. The Palestinian Red Crescent lost contact with all operations centers and teams in the Gaza Strip. It is feared that the emergency services will no longer be able to provide emergency medical care. The alarm center was also affected by the malfunction. The World Health Organization (WHO) also says it no longer has contact with its employees and facilities.
The situation in the combat zone is also extremely dangerous for journalists who risk their lives to report from there. The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said more than 29 media workers have been killed since the Hamas terror attack three weeks ago. The organization also warned that a disruption in the communications network could also prevent further messages from being spread from there.
Solidarity with the Palestinians and protests for a ceasefire
In Jordan, thousands of people protested in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In the capital Amman, crowds marched through the city center after Friday prayers, Al-Ghad television reported. In the evening, demonstrators also gathered in front of the Israeli embassy after Israel announced its expanded ground operations. Police used tear gas to disperse them, as seen in videos on social media. There were also expressions of solidarity with the Palestinians in other Arab countries.
Scores of Palestinians also protested in the West Bank on Friday evening, Israeli media reported. In Ramallah, Hebron and many other places in the West Bank, people also took to the streets to show their solidarity with the majority of Gaza Strip residents. Hundreds of people demonstrated for a ceasefire at Grand Central Station in New York.
That will be important on Saturday
It remains to be seen if and when the Israeli army will officially announce the start of its ground offensive. Meanwhile, people in the Gaza Strip continue to face the most dire conditions. Meetings on the conflict in the Middle East have also been announced for this weekend in several German cities. One point of interest is Berlin, where several demonstrations, rallies and vigils are recorded on Saturday and Sunday – both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
