Thu Dec 12 19:06:42 UTC 2024: ## UN Ceasefire Plea Ignored as Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza

**GAZA CITY, Palestine (October 26, 2023)** — Despite a resounding UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israeli forces launched a series of deadly attacks across the besieged Gaza Strip, killing at least dozens of Palestinians, according to Palestinian medical sources. The attacks came just hours after the international body overwhelmingly approved the resolution.

At least 15 people were killed in two separate airstrikes targeting a force protecting humanitarian aid convoys, medics reported. The Israeli military claimed the individuals were Hamas members attempting to hijack the convoys. However, the Palestinian news agency Wafa countered that the victims were guarding the aid trucks. Additional strikes targeted a residential building in Gaza City, killing seven including children, and a house sheltering displaced people, killing 15 more. A further strike near Jabalia killed two.

The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis reported a total of 15 deaths from strikes in the area. Hamas claims Israeli strikes have killed at least 700 police officers tasked with securing aid convoys since the beginning of the October 7th conflict, alleging Israel is deliberately hindering aid delivery. The UN has acknowledged significant challenges in operating within Gaza due to Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order.

The ongoing assault has created a dire humanitarian crisis, with warnings of widespread famine, particularly in the northern Gaza Strip, where a renewed Israeli ground offensive began two months ago. The death toll among healthcare workers has risen to 1,057, with the latest victim being an orthopaedic doctor shot while en route to a hospital.

While international efforts for a ceasefire continue, including ongoing mediation by Qatar and Egypt backed by the U.S., no agreement has been reached. However, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears ready to negotiate a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza, potentially paving the way for a ceasefire. Pope Francis also met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, discussing the humanitarian crisis and the need for a ceasefire and prisoner release.

The Israeli military offensive has already resulted in the deaths of over 44,800 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to health officials, and has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza.

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