The UN has described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, revealing that nearly 4,000 children have lost their lives since the start of Israel’s bombing campaign against Hamas. Out of the reported deaths in Gaza over the past month, over 40% (3,900) were children, while 1,250 more are believed to be missing and potentially buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
In other developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suspended a cabinet member who suggested the country considers using a nuclear bomb in Gaza. Furthermore, British citizens trapped in Gaza are facing the heartbreaking reality of having to leave without their family members.
Here are the key stories from today:
1. Child deaths in Gaza ‘catastrophic’
-
The UN reports that approximately 3,900 children have been killed since the conflict began, with newborns being particularly vulnerable due to the closure of hospitals and clinics. It is estimated that around 50,000 pregnant women are currently in Gaza.
-
Unicef spokesperson Toby Fricker commented: “The numbers are obviously catastrophic. Verification takes time, which is why we use the term ‘reportedly killed.’ However, in all conflicts, our initial estimates tend to be accurate, and this holds true for Gaza as well.”
Read more: Gaza’s children face catastrophe as death toll nears 4,000, UN warns (Guardian)
2. Israel minister says nuclear bomb is option
-
Prime Minister Netanyahu has suspended far-right minister Amichai Eliyahu indefinitely from the cabinet after his remark suggesting the possibility of using a nuclear bomb in Gaza.
-
The prime minister’s office described Eliyahu’s statement as detached from reality, but the implications of the suspension are yet to be clarified, considering the current war cabinet.
Read more: Minister says dropping nuclear bomb on Gaza is an option (Telegraph)
3. Brits in Gaza ‘face leaving without family’
-
The UK has started compiling a list of British citizens eligible to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing to Egypt. However, some British citizens have expressed concern that their non-British dependents have not yet been included on the list.
-
An individual who may have to leave their family members behind described the situation as heart-wrenching, stating, “Nobody should be forced to make such a choice. It feels like humanity has been lost.”
Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.