10/22/23

By Aditi Jha

The leaders of the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. released a joint statement today that "reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians." This is in response to the Hamas' attack on Israel, in which over 1,400 people died, over 4,500 people were injured, and around 200 people were abducted. At least 32 of the people killed in Israel were Americans, reports the U.S. State Department. Since then, Israel has launched a counterattack that has killed at least 4,385 people and wounded 13,561 others. They also withheld food and medical aid to Gaza, pushing the 2.3 million inhabitants of the territory to the verge of starvation, according to Cindy McCain, the executive director of the U.N.'s World Food Program to Politico on Sunday. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed humanitarian assistance from the United States over a phone call. The assistance will be distributed to Palestinians in need given that the attack spilled into Gaza. During an interview on MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki," U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, David Satterfield, said that the first two aid convoys reached Palestinians this weekend and another convoy of 15 trucks is expected to cross later. Biden and Netanyahu also talked about making efforts "to secure the release of all the remaining hostages taken by Hamas - including U.S. citizens - and to provide for safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart," according to a White House readout. At a crowded all-night music festival in the desert of southern Israel, videos show armed Hamas fighters attacking Israelis and dragging women and children into vehicles. In response, the Israel Defense Forces attacked the Gaza Strip with jet fighters, cutting the region's electricity and blocking the flow of fuel and food from reaching the territory. Biden said that "as president, [he has] no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world" and has directed his team to "share intelligence and deploy additional experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts." On October 17th, the Palestinian Health Ministry said that Israeli air raids in Gaza killed at least 71 people and injured at least 50 others overnight. An explosion at the al-Ahli Hospital in the middle of Gaza City killed at least 500 more people. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the government is "concerned" about a possible broader Middle East conflict resulting from the Israel-Hamas war that could put American military forces in danger. 

That's the news for today! Stay safe!