The Israeli army’s offensive in northern Gaza has been going on for days, with reports of heavy civilian casualties. The UN has been forced to close schools and hospitals in the area, and thousands of people are trapped with no way out.
Meanwhile, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel as the violence continues to escalate.
For the fifth consecutive day, Israel continues its offensive in northern Gaza, with reports of deaths and injuries from several areas, including Khan Younis and the Jabalia refugee camp. The offensive, now in its sixth day, has forced the UN to close schools and hospitals in northern Gaza.
The situation is described as chaotic, with drones constantly circling and firing on civilians.
– The drones are everywhere, shooting at everyone, said several eyewitnesses.
Due to the intense shelling, it is still unclear how many people have been killed, but bodies remain on the streets as it is too dangerous for people to pick them up. More dead are believed to be buried under the rubble, according to both Al Jazeera and AFP.
Al-Jazeera reporters shot at – one dead
The UN refugee agency UNRWA says thousands of people have been forced to flee again after seven schools previously used as refugee camps were evacuated. According to UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, more than 400,000 people are now trapped in northern Gaza with no way out.
As part of the Israeli offensive, Al-Jazeera journalist Fadi al-Wahidi was shot in the neck while reporting from the area, the channel said. His condition is still unclear, but sources say he is in critical condition.
Al-Wahidi is the second Al-Jazeera reporter to be shot at this week in connection with Israel’s renewed offensive in northern Gaza, one of whom, Muhammed al-Tannani, is confirmed dead.
MIDDLE-EAST — An Al Jazeera crew was targeted by Israeli forces while reporting on the siege of Jabalia camp in Palestine’s Gaza Strip. Cameraman Fadi Al-Wahidi was critically injured after being shot in the neck by a sniper during the coverage of intense military operations in… pic.twitter.com/0JDKf1rg5H
— News is Dead (@newsisdead) October 10, 2024
Washington: “Unwavering support”
Amid escalating violence in Gaza, Joe Biden reaffirmed his “unwavering” support for Israel in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The 30-minute call was the first official conversation between the two leaders since August. Vice President Kamala Harris also participated in the call.
According to the White House, Biden and Netanyahu discussed the situation in Gaza and the threat posed by Iran. Biden made it clear that the US opposes an Israeli attack on Iran’s oil fields and nuclear facilities, saying it would have extremely serious global consequences.
– If I were in their shoes, I would be thinking about other alternatives than striking Iranian oilfields, Biden told reporters after the call.
An attack on Iran’s oil fields could send oil prices soaring in the US – something that could seriously damage Kamala Harris politically in the run-up to the election in early November.
– The Israelis have not concluded what they are going to do. That’s under discussion, Biden told local reporters.
The US has given Israel unconditional military and diplomatic support since the Gaza conflict escalated, and Harris has pledged to maintain that line.
