The ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including Palestinians, who have condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent speech to the US Congress as misleading and indicative of a lack of commitment to peace.
Marc Owen Jones, an associate professor of Middle Eastern studies, has argued that Netanyahu’s speech in the US was more about securing continued military support than genuinely seeking peace. Jones contends that Netanyahu’s actions suggest an intent to prolong the conflict, potentially favouring a future political landscape in the US that could benefit his position.
Palestinian resistance group Hamas accused Netanyahu of perpetuating falsehoods and undermining efforts toward a ceasefire. Demonstrations erupted in Washington, DC, where thousands took to the streets, calling for Netanyahu’s arrest. Hamas has also called for Netanyahu’s arrest and indictment by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes. They accuse Israel of waging a brutal campaign against Palestinians, with widespread violations of international laws and humanitarian norms.
In its latest offensive in Khan Younis, Israel killed 129 Palestinians, including children, and forced up to 150,000 people to flee their homes. The intense military actions have led to widespread devastation, particularly on Khan Younis’s Salah al-Din Street, where Israeli forces have been targeting all movement, including children.
Palestinians are feeling increasingly trapped, with no safe places left as the conflict continues.
Israel, with unconditional support from the US, has killed over 39,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 90,000 others in Gaza since 7 October.
The Israeli military has released seven Palestinian detainees, some of whom have shown severe signs of torture. These prisoners, released from Ofer Prison, were taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in critical condition.
Israeli forces have also conducted a series of arrests in the West Bank, taking into custody at least 22 Palestinians, including journalists, former detainees, and a child. Since 7 October, over 9,800 Palestinians have been detained by Israeli forces.