ISLAMABAD: The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has exceeded 65,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, amid Israel’s continued ground invasion of Gaza City, which began following the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks.
On Tuesday, Israeli tanks and ground forces launched a full-scale assault into Gaza City, claiming the operation aims to dismantle Hamas’ control and secure the release of hostages. However, much of Gaza remains devastated by nearly a year of relentless Israeli bombardment and siege.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
More than 220,000 Palestinians have fled northern Gaza following evacuation orders, though many remain in the overcrowded and heavily bombarded south. Aid agencies and experts report a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with almost 90% of Gaza’s population displaced and widespread famine declared.
International condemnation grows
A United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, stating that "genocidal intent was the only reasonable inference" based on the actions of Israeli authorities.
In response, Saudi Arabia condemned the latest Israeli offensive “in the strongest terms.” At the recent Arab-Islamic Summit held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), dozens of member states including Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar collectively denounced Israel’s actions as war crimes.
Meanwhile, the European Union announced its toughest sanctions to date, including proposed tariffs on Israeli goods and penalties against senior Israeli ministers and settlers, to pressure Israel to end the war.
“The war needs to end, the suffering must stop, and all hostages must be released,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during a press conference in Brussels.
Protests inside Israel
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages held by Hamas held protests outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, demanding a ceasefire to protect their loved ones. However, Israeli officials have signaled no intention of halting the operation, despite international calls for restraint.
