“In response to Hamas attacks, Israel’s retaliatory strikes have claimed the lives of over 5,000 people from both sides so far. Thousands have been injured. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged on Saturday that the Palestinian people should not face collective punishment for Hamas’ attacks on Israel. A two-state solution for Israel-Palestine conflict remains the only sustainable basis for peace and stability.
Guterres also emphasized the need to protect civilian areas in Gaza, including hospitals, schools, and various UN facilities, from being targeted in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. He stated that the UN is working around the clock to ensure the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, but more commitments are required to meet the pressing needs of the population.
On Saturday, 20 relief trucks crossed into Gaza through the Rafah border with Egypt. International humanitarian organizations compared these relief efforts, which include food, water, and medical supplies, to a ‘drop in the ocean’ given the vast number of people in need in Gaza.
Since the early hours of October 7th, Hamas initiated the conflict with Israel through a barrage of rockets. In the two weeks of ongoing hostilities, more than 1,400 people have lost their lives in Hamas’ attacks from the Gaza Strip to Israeli territory. In response, Israel’s offensive has resulted in over 4,385 Palestinian casualties, with 13,561 people reported injured.”
