The death toll from Israel's ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip has surpassed 61,000, with over 153,000 reported injured since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. In the past 24 hours alone, 61 people were killed, and 363 more were injured, including 35 fatalities linked to the delay of aid deliveries—bringing the total number of aid-related deaths to 1,778. In Gaza City's Shuja'iyya neighborhood, Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of 10 Palestinians, while another strike targeted a site near the Palestine Monetary Authority headquarters in the city's west. In response, Israel's state broadcaster reported that the government had authorized Defense Minister Israel Katz to mobilize up to 430,000 reservists through the end of November. This move is part of preparations for an expanded military operation aimed at occupying Gaza City and central refugee camps. Israeli officials estimate that this military occupation could last at least six months and have pledged to increase humanitarian aid deliveries to mitigate international criticism and facilitate the planned displacement of Gaza's residents to the south. On the military front, the Al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for firing two rockets at Israeli settlements near Gaza, while the Israeli army reported efforts to intercept two projectiles launched from the enclave. According to Gaza's government media office, only 95 aid trucks were allowed into the Strip on Saturday—around 14% of the actual humanitarian needs—many of which were looted or damaged due to chaotic conditions. The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session today to address Israel's plans to occupy Gaza, following a request from European members like France and the UK. The United States, however, has opposed the move. International mediators, along with Washington, are pressing Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations, with Israeli sources indicating that the door remains open for a potential deal regarding hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's goal is to "liberate Gaza," not occupy it, by disarming Hamas and establishing a civilian administration led by neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu announced plans to open safe corridors for humanitarian aid, blaming Hamas for the theft of supplies and for exacerbating the crisis. "The war can end tomorrow if Hamas lays down its arms," he asserted, noting that future military operations will target the group's "last two strongholds." On the international stage, foreign ministers from eight European countries, including Spain, Norway, and Ireland, condemned Israel's military escalation. They warned that intensifying the offensive would worsen the humanitarian crisis and endanger the lives of hostages. They also rejected any demographic changes in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling it a violation of international law. In a notable development, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for UEFA to expel Israel from its football competitions following the killing of former Palestinian national player Suleiman Al-Obeid during airstrikes in Gaza. Domestically, Israel's political tensions continue to escalate, with Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot threatening to push for early elections if Prime Minister Netanyahu does not adopt a more aggressive war strategy. This division underscores growing fractures within Israel's governing coalition as the conflict enters a critical phase.
