Crisis deepens as Israeli offensive escalates in Gaza

New Delhi, Dec 12: The onslaught on Gaza continues as Israeli troops have intensified their bombardment, focusing on Khan Younis in the south, leaving locals in dire conditions. Reports also indicate ongoing fighting in Rafah near the Egyptian border, where displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports an alarming development: Israeli forces have entered the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza after besieging and bombing it for days. The hospital has 65 patients, including 12 children. Two mothers were killed when the maternity unit was reportedly struck on Monday.

Israel claims to have encircled the last Hamas strongholds in Jabaliya and Shejaiya in northern Gaza, while tanks advance towards the centre of Khan Younis. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts that Hamas fighters are surrendering to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), signalling what he deems the "beginning of the end" for the group that has long controlled Gaza.

In Jenin, West Bank, a drone strike claimed four lives. International pressure mounts over the humanitarian crisis, with the U.S. and the UN. urging Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza.

Today, the UN General Assembly is set to deliberate and cast votes on a non-binding resolution urging a ceasefire in Gaza. This follows the recent veto by the United States of a similar resolution presented in the Security Council last week.

The current proposal is a collaborative effort put forth by a coalition of 20 Arab countries and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation. Notably, within the 193-member General Assembly, no single nation holds veto power, a departure from the Security Council's structure. However, it is crucial to note that, unlike Security Council resolutions, decisions made by the General Assembly lack legal enforceability, serving primarily as expressions of global sentiment and global opinion.

Throughout the ongoing conflict, the Security Council has faced significant challenges, failing six times to reach a consensus on resolutions advocating for a ceasefire. This impasse stems from disagreements among its 15 members, highlighting the complexities and divergent perspectives within the international community regarding the situation in Gaza. In a separate incident, a commercial tanker passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait is hit by a cruise missile fired from Yemen, controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The U.S. Central Command confirms the attack, causing a fire on the Strinda vessel. The Houthi movement threatens all ships heading north to Israel.

The UN's agency for Palestinian refugees warns of a "total breakdown of civil order" in the Gaza Strip, pushing hundreds of thousands from Khan Younis to al-Mawasi. However, aid organisations criticise the move, citing the lack of infrastructure to meet basic human needs.

Amidst rising tensions, the UK and the EU announced plans to impose sanctions on Israelis involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Sports brand Puma states it will cease sponsoring Israel's national football team in 2024, emphasizing that this decision predates consumer boycott calls related to the Gaza conflict.

As casualties mount, the toll is over 18,200 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since October 7, while 1,200 Israelis were killed on the same day in an attack by Hamas. The region remains mired in a complex and deeply entrenched crisis.