Israel vows to ‘press harder’ in Gaza after US blocks UN ceasefire
- Some Hamas fighters are surrendering, in a sign that the militant group’s network is falling apart, according to Israel’s army chief
- Meanwhile, Gaza faces an ‘apocalyptic’ humanitarian situation and is on the verge of being overwhelmed by disease and starvation, aid groups say
Gazans sought refuge in bombed-out hospitals as Israel vowed to “press harder” in its war with Hamas on Saturday, a day after the United States blocked a ceasefire bid at the United Nations.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration said on Saturday it has bypassed Congress to approve the emergency sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than US$106 million.
The move comes as US President Joe Biden’s request for a nearly US$106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security is languishing in Congress, caught up in a debate over US immigration policy and border security.
As Israel intensifies its military operations, aid groups say Gaza faces an “apocalyptic” humanitarian situation and is on the verge of being overwhelmed by disease and starvation.
At least 17,700 people, mostly women and children, have died in two months of fighting in the narrow strip of territory, according to the latest figures from Gaza’s health ministry.
Washington vetoed a UN resolution that would have called for a ceasefire on Friday, a move strongly condemned by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, as well as humanitarian groups.
