The latest:
- Leaders of United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Britain reiterate support for Israel’s right to defend itself while calling for protection of civilians under humanitarian law.
- 14 additional trucks used the Rafah border crossing Sunday to carry aid into Gaza.
- The Israel-Hamas war has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars.
- More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly in the initial Hamas attack on Oct. 7.
- The Palestinian Health Ministry said the death toll in Gaza had reached at least 4,651 people, with another 14,254 people injured.
The Israeli military carried out airstrikes Monday in the Gaza Strip, while European Union foreign ministers met to consider calling for a humanitarian cease-fire.
Israeli aircraft also struck multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including cells the military said were preparing to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets toward Israel.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters he believes a humanitarian pause in the conflict is needed to allow support to reach people in Gaza.
His comments came a day after a second aid convoy was allowed through the Rafah border crossing into Gaza.
“The first day, 20 trucks were allowed to come in, 20,” Borrell said. “Yesterday, were about 20 more. But in normal times, in normal times without war, 100 trucks enter into Gaza every day. So it’s clear that 20 is not enough.”
Israel has conducted more than two weeks of strikes on Gaza in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas militants that killed 1,400 people.
The United Nations says about 1.4 million people have fled their homes and that there are critical shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine in Gaza.
Borrell also said efforts toward de-escalation have to include a halt to Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza and the release of hostages the militant group is holding.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Sunday that the death toll in Gaza had reached at least 4,651 people, with another 14,254 people injured.
Israel has carried out a campaign of airstrikes in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed more than 1,400 people in Israel.
Israeli officials have vowed to continue until Hamas has no more ability to attack.
The leaders of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Britain on Sunday discussed the Israel-Hamas war during a telephone call convened by U.S. President Joe Biden.
In a joint statement, they underscored their support for Israel and its right to defend itself, but also urged it to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians. They welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken both said in interviews Sunday the United States is concerned about the Israel-Hamas war expanding in the Middle East.
Source : VOA News
