More than 150 health facilities in Gaza have been attacked, the UN health agency has said – adding it needs urgent access to the enclave to deliver aid and medical supplies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a long-term humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and said it had supplies ready for Gaza near the Rafah crossing, at the border with Egypt.
The crossing had been expected to be open to allow humanitarian aid on Monday – but it remained closed.
Gaza’s interior ministry says at least 49 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis and Rafah.
Israel began heavy bombardment and a siege of Gaza following a devastating assault by Hamas militants on 7 October. A million Palestinians had to flee their homes ahead of an expected ground offensive.
The United Nations human rights office has warned that Israel’s siege of Gaza and its evacuation order could amount to the international crime of the forcible transfer of civilians.
“We are concerned that this order, combined with the imposition of a complete siege of Gaza, may not be considered as lawful temporary evacuation and would therefore amount to a forcible transfer of civilians in breach of international law,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office.
Amid fears of a further escalation in the region, President Joe Biden is expected in Israel on Wednesday, on a high-stakes, top-security mission.
Some clashes erupted again Tuesday on the border between Lebanon and Israel.
And Iran has told Israel it should expect “pre-emptive action” in the coming hours in response to its retaliatory strikes on Gaza.
Other key developments
• Israel kills four crossing Lebanon border fence to ‘plant explosive’
• UN operation in Gaza ‘on verge of collapse’
• Senior US general in Israel for talks with country’s military
• 581% increase in antisemitic attacks across UK
• Israeli military strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said: “The resistance front is capable of waging a long-term war with the enemy… in the coming hours, we can expect a pre-emptive action by the resistance front.
“Leaders of the resistance will not allow the Zionist regime to take any action in Gaza.”
Iran’s foreign minister did not expand on what he meant by resistance front, but the term Axis of Resistance can refer to a loose alliance among Iran, Palestinian militant groups, Syria, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and other factions.
Biden to send ‘crystal clear message’ to Israel’s enemies
Mr Biden is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reaffirm the country’s solidarity with Israel during his visit, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said.
Announcing the travel plans, Mr Blinken said the president’s visit comes at a critical moment, where he will make clear that “Israel has the right and the duty to defend its people from Hamas and other terrorists and prevent future attacks”.
The decision comes after nine hours of negotiations between Mr Biden, Mr Netanyahu and other officials.
Mr Biden will also reiterate the “crystal clear message” to any state or non-state trying to “take advantage” of the current situation and attack Israel: “Don’t.”
Leave a Reply