ISLAMABAD: Iran has cautioned that the Israel-Hamas escalation could escalate into a broader conflict and has called for Tel Aviv to cease its air strikes in Gaza.
During the deadliest overnight air strike, which resulted in the deaths of over 70 Palestinians, Hamas released a video that portrays their treatment of Israeli captives as a gesture of reconciliation.
The top U.S. general overseeing American forces in the Middle East, Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, made an unannounced trip to Israel on Tuesday.
ย During his visit, he assured Israel that the U.S. military had the necessary support as it deepened its conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas. US President Joe Biden will also be visiting Israel on Wednesday. Israel has escalated air strikes on Gaza. Furthermore, there are expectations of an Israeli military ground invasion in Gaza, despite international condemnation and concerns about violations of international laws.
Pakistan to dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst ongoing crisis
The US military is increasing its presence in Israel to prevent Iran and Iran-backed groups from becoming involved in the conflict and to address concerns of a wider regional war. Furthermore, they are supplying additional weaponry. They are also convening high-level meetings with Israel’s military leadership to ensure Israel’s defense requirements are met. Additionally, they aim to prevent an expansion of the Israel-Hamas conflict
Death Toll
In the ongoing conflict, Gaza has reported 2,750 deaths and 9,700 wounded, while Israel has seen 1,400 fatalities, including 293 IDF soldiers, and 3,500 wounded.
Israeli Troops Halt Infiltration from Lebanon, Iran Anticipates Wider Conflict
Israeli troops have confirmed killing four militants attempting to infiltrate from Lebanon. The incident occurred as tensions run high along the border between the two countries. The IDF observed a terrorist squad attempting to breach the security fence with Lebanon and plant an explosive device, resulting in the death of four terrorists. Additionally, the Israeli army had conducted strikes on Hezbollah “terrorist” targets within Lebanon in previous operations.
As for Iran, the country’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, stated that the expansion of the conflict between Israel and Hamas is increasingly inevitable. Iran, a significant backer of the Palestinian militant group, appears to be preparing for a broader conflict.
UN Security Council Vote and Japanese Aid for Gaza
The Russian-led draft resolution received five votes in favor (China, Gabon, Mozambique, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates) and four against (France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States), with six abstentions (Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Malta, and Switzerland).
For the Council to adopt a resolution, the proposal must receive at least nine votes in favor, with none of its five permanent members opposing or casting a veto.
The draft resolution called for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages, aid access, and the safe evacuation of civilians. Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed regret over the Security Council’s failure to adopt the resolution and blamed the “selfish intention of the western bloc.”
Additionally, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa announced a $10 million aid package for Gaza civilians and expressed hope for a swift de-escalation of the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
