Gaza, 28 October, 2023(GNP): The situation in Gaza continues to escalate as international media and aid agencies face communication blackouts, making it increasingly challenging to gather information from the conflict zone. Israel’s intensified assaults into Gaza have led to significant developments that have raised concerns globally.
As the conflict unfolds, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) renews its call for an immediate ceasefire in the Hamas-Israeli conflict. The IOM stresses the importance of protecting civilians and underscores that there are no winners in war; the most vulnerable are the ones who suffer the most.
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Reports from Al Jazeera correspondents within the Gaza Strip reveal the heavy toll this conflict is taking on the local population.
Palestinians in Gaza experienced a complete blackout following the distribution of a map by the Israeli military spokesperson, who asserted that the al-Shifa Hospital was the headquarters of Hamas’s leadership.
On the other side of the conflict, rocket alert sirens have sounded in southern Israeli communities, including Nahal Oz and Magen, though no immediate injuries or damages have been reported.
The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that Israeli forces have entered northern Gaza and expanding their operations. Israel has emphasized that it is “progressing through the stages” of the war and that their troops are still present in the territory.
The Israeli army has released video footage of its forces operating in the Gaza Strip, sharing it through its official channels.
Families of hostages in Israel demand explanation
Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas fighters in Gaza have sought immediate explanations about the fate of their loved ones, as the army intensifies strikes on the Palestinian territory. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed their frustration with the “absolute uncertainty” regarding the captives’ safety and their exposure to heavy bombings.
Global response on Israel’s indiscriminate bombing on civilians
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Israel to halt its attacks, emphasizing that the humanitarian crisis is deepening, and innocent civilians, including women and children, are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Gazze’ye yönelik sürekli artan ve dün gece yoğunlaşan İsrail bombardımanları yine kadınları, çocukları, masum sivilleri hedef almış, yaşanan insani krizi derinleştirmiştir.
İsrail derhâl bu cinnet halinden çıkmalı ve saldırılarını durdurmalıdır.…
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) October 28, 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing communication blackout in Gaza. The blackout has made it impossible for WHO staff and health facilities to function effectively.
WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the evacuation of patients and ambulances’ access to the injured have been hindered by this blackout, posing a severe challenge to providing adequate medical care.
Reports of intense bombardment in Gaza are extremely distressing.
Evacuation of patients is not possible under such circumstances, nor to find safe shelter.
The blackout is also making it impossible for ambulances to reach the injured.
We are still out of touch with our staff…
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 28, 2023
Meanwhile, Qatar’s foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, held a phone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to discuss the latest developments in the conflict and explore ways to de-escalate the situation. Sheikh Mohammed condemned the targeting of civilians and stressed the importance of allowing the entry of relief convoys and humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza is a source of deep concern for the international community, as diplomatic efforts are made to bring an end to the violence and protect the lives of civilians affected by this ongoing crisis.
