Following a Hamas attack, Israeli authorities reported approximately 1,400 casualties, mainly civilians. In response, Israel's retaliatory actions have led to over 8,000 Palestinian deaths, including many children, according to Gaza's health ministry.
Civil unrest in Gaza has intensified, with thousands raiding food warehouses for essential supplies.
The Biden administration stressed that while Israel has the right to self-defense, it must prioritize civilian protection, in line with international humanitarian law. President Joe Biden conveyed this message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The US is actively working to secure the release of 220 hostages held by Hamas and assist stranded Palestinian Americans in Gaza, though Hamas is hindering their departure, despite Egypt and Israel's readiness to allow foreign nationals to leave.
Global leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for the delivery of essential supplies such as food, fuel, water, and medicine to Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres termed the situation a "humanitarian catastrophe" and called for a de-escalation of the conflict.
This crisis underscores the urgent need to provide aid to Gaza's vulnerable population while upholding international humanitarian laws and safeguarding civilians in conflict zones.