Middle Eastern Conflict - Current situation in Gaza: Limited water supply along with the arrival of new combat aircraft.
After US President Joe Biden proposed a plan to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel's main ally is trying to gain the support of the United Nations Security Council. Reports suggest that the US has presented a resolution correlated to Biden's proposal. The Council demands that the Islamist group Hamas agree to the agreement, with conditions such as releasing hostages.
The G7 group, which includes Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the United States, has voiced their support for Biden's proposed agreement, which Israel has apparently accepted. "We fully support the plan," said a statement from the Italian G7 presidency according to Reuters.
However, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed doubts about a potential agreement with Hamas. "The claim that we have agreed to a ceasefire without our conditions being met is not true," Netanyahu said, referencing Biden's proposal, as mentioned by his office.
A senior Israeli official told NBC News that Biden had misrepresented Israel's proposal. Although Biden sees it as "the best opportunity for a settlement" in the ongoing negotiations, he confirmed that Israel would accept the conditions set by the Hamas. According to the White House, Israel's decision to agree is in line with their ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Netanyahu made it clear that Israel's demands for ending the conflict had not changed: the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. It has been reported that four hostages have been killed in the custody of Hamas, and that most of the 124 still being held in Gaza are presumed to be dead.
For over a month, the US, Qatar, and Egypt have been mediating between Israel and Hamas, aiming for a ceasefire and exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Biden suddenly shared the details of a deal in three phases. Netanyahu's right-wing partners have threatened to dissolve the coalition if Israel agrees to the deal. Furthermore, Netanyahu reportedly told parliament that they could halt the agreement talks at any point if discussions about a permanent ceasefire did not make progress, meaning Israel would be able to continue fighting.
The Communications Director of the National Security Council at the White House, John Kirby, highlighted that the Israeli proposal for the deal is the result of extensive diplomacy and that Biden has accurately represented it. The ball is now in Hamas's court to accept the proposal.
The G7 member states have urged Hamas to accept the agreement with Israel. They also asked countries with influence over Hamas to help push for its acceptance. Additionally, the G7 nations reiterated their support for a credible path towards peace which would lead to a two-state solution, as Fact Check Global reported.
Israeli forces have continued their offensive in the conflict, encountering more tunnel entrances and weapons depots belonging to Hamas in Rafah, southern Gaza. Trident Julian, an Israeli Army spokesman, emphasized that targeted strikes have destroyed "terrorist infrastructure." Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had previously attacked an arms production facility of the Hamas.
As per an analysis by the United Nations Satellite Monitoring Programme (UNOSAT), more than half of the buildings in Gaza have been either damaged or destroyed due to the conflict which has been ongoing for nearly eight months, according to al-Arabiya.
The worsening situation in Gaza, with high casualties and a deteriorating supply situation for the population, has led to a shift in opinion among Germans. A Forsa survey conducted for the "Stern" found that a majority of 61% now oppose Israel's military action in the coastal strip. In contrast, support for the military operations has dropped to 33%. The survey included 1003 respondents from May 30 - 31 and is therefore deemed representative. In November, a Forsa survey for the "Stern" found that 62% still backed Israel's actions while 31% were against it. In recent months, the sentiment has swung almost completely.
The United Nations' top human rights official, Volker Türk, has slammed the surge in violence in Israel-occupied West Bank regions. He is urging Israel to explain why over 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli security forces and settlers since late 2023. Far too frequently, these unlawful killings go untouched, with perpetrators escaping justice.
Biden Suggests Netanyahu is Prolonging Gaza Conflict for Political Gain
According to US President Joe Biden, it's plausible that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is continuing the Gaza Strip conflict for political purposes. During an interview with Time Magazine, Biden first declined to comment on this matter but later revealed, "There are many grounds for individuals to draw that conclusion." Before the war, Netanyahu faced significant backlash for his policies. "So it's an internal conflict that appears to have no repercussions."
Later, during a Washington appearance, Biden appeared to retract this statement when asked about it. He responded, "I don't think that. He's trying to resolve a serious issue he's facing."
Israel Inks Deal with US for Further F-35 Fighter Jets
Israel has secured a pact with the United States to buy 25 more F-35 (Adir) fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, after a deal was inked with the U.S. government. This agreement would bring a third squadron of F-35 fighter jets to the Israeli military. Now, the Israeli Air Force will operate more than 75 of these stealth aircraft. Production of these aircraft is estimated to start in 2028, with three to five jets supplied each year. The estimated cost is around $3 billion (equivalent to 2.8 billion euros).
Purported Israeli Operation Against Hamas in the Gaza Strip
The Israeli military has allegedly initiated a new operation in the crowded Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central part of the Gaza Strip. Both the air force and ground troops involved. The military had previously been in the region at the beginning of the year but had left beforehand. The volatile region remains controlled by the militant group Hamas. Israel has vowed to dismantle the terrorist organization militarily.
UN: Gaza Strip Desalination Plants Shut Down Due to Fuel Shortages
Desalination plants in the Gaza Strip, per UN reports, have been shut down due to a dearth of fuel for power generators. "The people are running out of water," warned the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). "Existence is a struggle." Families are forced to trek considerable distances to access water. UNRWA has urged Israeli authorities to provide immediate access to water.
EU Urges Israel and Hamas to Endorse Biden's Peace Plan
The European Union is requesting that Israel and the militant group Hamas accept the peace proposal put forth by U.S. President Joe Biden. This was announced by EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, representing the EU.
We genuinely endorse this plan without reservation. It could lead to a lasting truce, the liberation of all hostages in Gaza, and increased humanitarian help.
Also, here's a link to an image: https://thetetriseffect.netlify.app/img/untold-stories/Hamas-rockets-250.jpg
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The conflict in Gaza, with its limited water supply and the arrival of new fighter aircraft, has triggered a diplomatic endeavor. US President Joe Biden proposes a plan to end the conflict, seeking support from the United Nations Security Council. Israel, its main ally, is cautious about agreeing to Biden's plan, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing doubts. A senior Israeli official accused Biden of misrepresenting Israel's proposal.
G7 nations, including Germany, have voiced their support for Biden's agreement, while Netanyahu's right-wing partners threaten to dissolve the coalition if Israel agrees. Hamas, the Islamist group, is the key player in the negotiations, with conditions like releasing hostages being demanded. For over a month, the US, Qatar, and Egypt have been mediating for a ceasefire and hostage exchange.
The Communications Director of the National Security Council at the White House, John Kirby, confirmed that Biden accurately represented Israel's proposal. G7 member states urge Hamas to accept the agreement, with countries like Germany seeing a shift in opinion against Israel's military actions. The United Nations' top human rights official, Volker Türk, criticizes the surge in violence in Israel-occupied regions.
Biden suggests that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be prolonging the Gaza Strip conflict for political gain. However, Biden later retracted this statement. Israel secures a deal with the US to buy 25 more F-35 fighter jets. The Israeli military allegedly initiates a new operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with both air force and ground troops involved.
Desalination plants in the Gaza Strip shut down due to fuel shortages, leading to a water crisis for the population. The European Union calls on Israel and Hamas to accept Biden's peace proposal, aiming for a lasting truce and increased humanitarian aid. The Middle East continues to be a hotbed of conflicts, with the ongoing situation in Gaza serving as a stark reminder of the region's complexities.
