Israel’s fresh military assault in Gaza has murdered more than 140 Palestinians in 24 hours, prompting sharp criticism from the United Nations. The UN human rights commissioner accused Israel of ethnic cleansing as fears grew of a forced demographic change in the conflict-wracked territory.
Over 300 people have been killed since the attack resumed on May 15, making this round one of the bloodiest since the collapse of the ceasefire in March.
‘Catastrophic’ Deaths and Disruption on the Ground
The Israeli bombing, according to local health officials, has pushed medical facilities to the limit. There were 58 confirmed overnight deaths by Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian hospital in northern Gaza. He also stated that numerous victims are still under debris. “The situation inside the hospital is catastrophic,” he said.
The persistent attacks commenced after Israel restarted its Gaza offensive last Thursday under the banner of Operation Gideon’s Chariots. The Israeli Defence Forces have advanced further into Gaza, bringing widespread devastation and fear among civilians.
UN Condemnation: Push for Demographic Change
UN human rights head Volker Türk made a scathing statement on Friday. Israel’s conduct constitutes ethnic cleansing, he said. Türk accused Israel of withholding humanitarian aid and displacing civilians in a deliberate fashion.
These new waves of bombing and the refusal to grant humanitarian aid highlight that there is a seeming drive towards a definitive demographic change in Gaza that goes against international law and is equivalent to ethnic cleansing,” Türk said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his concern at the Arab League summit in Baghdad. He demanded an immediate and sustained ceasefire.
Israel Defends its Operation
Israel says its offensive is in pursuit of national security objectives. Officials said the mission is to “achieve all war goals in Gaza.” Militiary operations along Gaza’s borders and troop mobilization indicate Israel is likely to take operational control of more of the territory soon.
Previous ceasefire attempts fell through in March after Israel declined to start the agreed second phase. Israel’s security cabinet recently approved plans that could involve total control of Gaza.
Regional Diplomacy and Ceasefire Negotiations Resume
Member states at Saturday’s Arab League summit committed $40 million towards reconstruction in Gaza and Lebanon. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein rejected Trump-era ideas of seizing Palestinian territory.
Hamas, too, confirmed new ceasefire negotiations with Israel in Doha, Qatar. Spokesperson Taher al-Nono stated that talks are underway without conditions. With violence escalating and diplomacy reviving, Gaza is at yet another crossroads.
