Israel’s recent military operations against the territories of Gaza have seen the heightenings of intensity and violence as airstrikes focus on the key Hamas-controlled parts and sectors. Among the most massive attacks, Israeli planes engaged in intense air raids against the Jabalia refugee camp, saying that the attacks were necessary in targeting Hamas leadership known to be existing within the camp.
However, hundreds of civilian casualties, including women and children, have resulted from the assault. Due to this, many internationally bring into question the humanitarian cost of this conflict. Israel claims its military operations are designed to disable Hamas, especially following the group’s terroristic attack on October 7 when hundreds were killed and hostages taken.
The humanitarian impact in Gaza is dramatic. Reports from the Gaza health ministry say that over 33,800 have died and thousands more are wounded in the region. Such casualties have fueled international calls for restraint and a humanitarian ceasefire that would ease some of the suffering that has arisen.
The UN and other humanitarian organizations have issued grave warnings of escalating conflict if immediate steps are not taken to end the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The U.N. has appealed particularly to a pressing need for access to Gaza with medical aid, food, and supplies as blockade continues to leave hospitals and shelters fighting for casualties.
Diplomatically, countries have upscaled calls for a ceasefire, ranging from Qatar that was known to play a mediating role between Israel and Hamas on previous conflicts, but recently declared suspension of mediation efforts if the two parties do not demonstrate intent to negotiate, echoing the difficulty of reaching an agreement.
Other nations, such as China and Indonesia, cried for a truce, mourned the horror, and condemned the international concern that the carnage has sowed for lingering violence and lack of stability in a region. However, the international world is divided with views from some countries to show differences, while pro-Israeli forces believe Israel has just cause for protecting itself against Hamas.
The United States has taken a balance position by not only condemning Hamas but also being strong supporter of Israel’s military actions but insisted that it will not consider any ceasefire talks unless the hostages held by Hamas are released.
The Secretaries of State and Defence of the United States have also voiced frustration over the Israeli approach and have pleaded for more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The US has threatened that Israel will be paid back in diplomatic dividends for not facilitating a humanitarian calm, marking a first from Washington’s erstwhile rock-solid support for its ally. This stance reflects growing anxiety within the Biden administration over the spillover effects of the conflict on regional peace and stability.
President Joe Biden’s loftily rhetorical relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have deteriorated following sharp disagreements over the management of the crisis.
Biden has urged Netanyahu repeatedly to consider the humanitarian consequences of the continued war, but Netanyahu’s coalition, buoyed by prospects of support from a putative future administration of Donald Trump, seems inured to pressure for a ceasefire.
Former President Donald Trump, likely to take a pro-Israel position in a second term, has hinted that he would accord Israel the right to carry out its operations in Gaza, complicating the diplomatic equation. This is changing dynamics in US policy may make the course of the conflict in coming months.