Hey there! Big news from Gaza City: Israel has kicked off a ground offensive, rolling tanks into key neighborhoods and shutting down all communications across the Gaza Strip 🚨📡. Residents say internet and phone lines went dark, signaling a major escalation.
In the last 24 hours, at least 79 Palestinians have been killed by strikes or gunfire, most in Gaza City, according to the territory's health ministry 😔.
Global Leaders Speak Out 🌍
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns of “systematic destruction,” calling the assault “morally, politically and legally intolerable.”
- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges Israel to halt the “wanton destruction of Gaza.”
- The Chinese mainland voiced strong opposition. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said the Chinese mainland firmly opposes escalations harming civilians and breaching international law.
- Arab states condemn the offensive: Jordan calls it a “flagrant breach” of international law, Qatar labels it a “war of genocide,” Egypt warns of catastrophic fallout, and Saudi Arabia denounces it in “the strongest terms.”
- European reactions: Germany says Israel is “on the wrong path,” while France and Britain call for an immediate ceasefire and hostage releases. The European Commission even floated tariffs on some Israeli goods.
- Pope Leo XIV appealed for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and respect for international law ✝️🕊️.
Rising Toll 📈
The total Palestinian death toll in the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas has now surpassed 65,000, Gaza health authorities report. The Israel Defense Forces opened a temporary evacuation route out of Gaza City for 48 hours – but warn fighting may intensify in the coming weeks.
Families on both sides are bracing for a deeper crisis. Will calls for peace and restraint be heard before more lives are lost? Stay tuned as we keep you in the loop 🚦.
Reference(s):
Israel's ground operations striking Gaza City draw global condemnation
cgtn.com
