United States Vice President Kamala Harris has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to swiftly reach a cease-fire agreement with Hamas to secure the release of dozens of hostages held in Gaza since Oct. 7.
Netanyahu, following a visit to Washington where he delivered a speech to Congress vowing 'total victory' against Hamas, faced criticism from the international community for obstructing efforts to end the conflict and return the hostages.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported over 39,100 Palestinian casualties in the ongoing war, with an estimated 17,000 children now unaccompanied in the territory, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis.
In a joint statement, the leaders of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand condemned the escalating violence in Gaza, emphasizing the need for an immediate cease-fire to prevent further civilian suffering. They called on Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians and urged an end to the conflict without imposing undue hardships on Palestinian civilians.
Concerns were also raised about the potential for broader regional conflict, with Hezbollah launching rockets in solidarity with Hamas, further displacing tens of thousands of people in the region.
Meanwhile, the death of Hamas leader Sheikh Mustafa Abu Arra in Israeli custody has sparked outrage, with allegations of torture and inadequate medical care during his detention. Abu Arra's death underscores the harsh conditions faced by Palestinian detainees, particularly under administrative detention, where individuals can be held indefinitely without trial or charge.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to prioritize the well-being of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
