Key Highlights :
The United States has been heavily involved in the conflict, with the State Department noting that around 400 U.S. citizens and residents have left the Gaza Strip, although some U.S. citizens still remain in the war-torn region. Israeli officials believe Hamas and other groups are holding around 240 hostages, a matter that has become the crux of negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
In an effort to provide humanitarian aid to the region, 756 trucks have crossed into Gaza from Egypt since Oct. 21, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, the World Health Organization has reported that 18 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are not operating, with facilities operating beyond capacities and two-thirds of Gaza’s primary health care centers not functioning.
In response to the conflict, Israel agreed Thursday to put four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in place for its military operations in Gaza each day, according to the White House. The pauses have helped hostage talks, although any agreement is likely to be interim and limited in scope. The United States has stood firm in its support of Israel, with President Joe Biden asking Netanyahu during a Monday call for a three-day pause to allow for hostage negotiations.
Calls for a cease-fire have been supported by a majority of the United Nations in addition to tens of thousands of Americans who have participated in cease-fire rallies in recent weeks. However, the White House has been careful to not call for a definitive cease-fire, citing concerns it would allow Hamas to recover and re-tool.
Despite the devastating toll of the conflict, it appears likely to continue for some time. The international community must continue to push for a cease-fire and provide much-needed humanitarian aid to the region.
Title:
The Bleak Numbers After 36 Days of Fighting: The Israel-Hamas Conflict