Chinese Foreign Minister Calls for Ceasefire in Israel-Gaza Conflict
In the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, made a significant announcement in Beijing. Speaking alongside Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, Wang Yi condemned Israel’s actions, stating that they exceeded the scope of self-defense.
He called for a ceasefire and urged Israel to halt its collective punishment of the people of Gaza. Wang Yi emphasized the need for the UN Security Council to take action and for major powers to play an active role in facilitating a ceasefire.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of bringing both sides back to the negotiating table and establishing an emergency humanitarian channel to prevent further humanitarian crises.
US Secretary of State’s Return to Israel
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has returned to Israel for talks on the conflict after visiting six Arab countries.
He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again in Jerusalem.
Revelations on the Hamas Attack and Iranian Involvement
A report published by a Washington-based think tank has shed light on the Hamas attack on Israel, revealing that the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard leader, Qassem Soleimani, was behind the mass murder plot.
The think tank suggests that Iran played a significant role in planning the Hamas attack, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. It is noted that Soleimani’s involvement in this plot aligns with statements made by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Israeli spokesman Lior Haiat indicated that Hamas has been seen as a proxy for the Ayatollah regime, carrying out its wishes.
IDF’s Warning to Hezbollah
The Israeli military has issued a stern warning to the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group, cautioning that they will face a “deadly” response if they continue to attack Israel.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari asserted that the US fully supports Israel in responding to Hezbollah’s actions. The IDF has increased its presence along the northern border and remains prepared to respond to any aggression.
Civilians in 28 communities near the Lebanese border are being evacuated due to the ongoing attacks on both sides.
Update on Hostages in Gaza
The Israeli military has revised the number of hostages being held in Gaza, now confirming 199 individuals. Rear Adm.
Daniel Hagari mentioned that the families of these hostages have been informed of their status.
It was not specified whether the number includes foreigners, but most are believed to be held by Hamas.
UN-Flagged Trucks Heading Towards Border Crossing
Several UN-flagged trucks have been observed leaving the southern Gaza Strip, initially heading toward the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border.
However, their course later appeared to lead them to Kerem Shalom, an Israeli border crossing near the Egyptian frontier.
Chinese and Russian Diplomacy for Ceasefire
China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, held discussions with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Beijing. They exchanged views on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Wang Yi emphasizing the urgency of achieving a ceasefire and establishing a humanitarian aid channel.
He also urged China and Russia to deepen their strategic mutual trust.
Hamas Denies Reports of Border Crossing Opening
Contrary to earlier reports about the opening of the Rafah border crossing, a Hamas terror group official has stated that there is no truth to these reports.
The official also denied the existence of a temporary ceasefire.
Growing Concerns and Evacuations in Northern Israel
Israel’s army is evacuating residents along its northern border with Lebanon after an increase in cross-border fire between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stressed Israel’s desire to avoid escalation but warned that any aggression from Hezbollah would be met with a “very heavy price.”
Israeli Denial of Ceasefire Reports
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports of a ceasefire in Gaza that would enable aid to enter and foreigners to leave.
Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza have led to concerns about the humanitarian situation.
Overview of the Ongoing Conflict
The conflict in Israel and Gaza has prompted more than one million people to flee their homes in the Gaza Strip, anticipating an Israeli ground invasion.
Israeli forces, supported by US warships, are positioned along Gaza’s border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a looming attack on Gaza, seeking to eradicate Hamas.
Despite a week of intense airstrikes, which followed a terrorist group’s attack on October 7, both sides have suffered severe casualties.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports 2,670 Palestinian deaths and 9,600 injuries, while Israel has experienced over 1,400 casualties, including children.
Critical shortages of water and medical supplies are affecting UN shelters in Gaza. Israel’s military has urged Palestinians to leave the northern areas, a move deemed a “death sentence” by the World Health Organization.
Additionally, the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency describes Gaza as “being strangled,” and many people are seeking shelter in UN facilities in the south of the territory.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns of the Middle East being “on the verge of the abyss.”
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