The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate with accusations of ethnic cleansing and renewed calls for a ceasefire. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at the BRICS summit, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing them of attempting to forcibly remove Palestinians from the region, particularly in the north.
Abbas declared, “It has been a full year since the greatest catastrophe that the Palestinian people experienced after the Nakba of 1948, which is the Israeli war in which crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing are being committed in the Gaza Strip.” He added, “This is part of a plan to empty the territory of its people, especially now in northern Gaza where the occupation forces are resorting to starving the population there.” Abbas’s statements echo similar accusations he made at the UN General Assembly in September, where he alleged that Israel was “wiping out” entire generations in Gaza.
Meanwhile, international pressure for a ceasefire and the release of hostages intensifies. Following the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, world leaders have urged Israel to end the conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Qatar on Thursday to discuss these issues with Qatari leaders, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and the return of hostages.
The State Department reported that Blinken “discussed renewed efforts to secure the release of the hostages and end the war in Gaza” with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Blinken stated, “We talked about options to capitalize on this moment and next steps to move the process forward, and I anticipate that our negotiators will be getting together in the coming days.” Qatar’s role as a mediator in the conflict is considered crucial, and Blinken’s visit highlights the urgency of finding a resolution.
On the battlefield, the fighting continues unabated. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) reported that over 120 rockets were fired at Israel on Thursday, injuring at least four people. In response, the Israeli army conducted airstrikes targeting a group of Hamas operatives who were allegedly using a school to plan and carry out attacks against IDF troops and Israel. The Martyrs School, which had been serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians, was struck by an Israeli airstrike, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals. This incident underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians and highlights the need for a swift and peaceful resolution.