Israel will continue its offensive in Gaza "with full force" and will refuse any temporary ceasefire that does not include the release of more than 240 hostages held by Hamas, Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday, rejecting US calls for a pause in the fighting.
Hours earlier, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, had flown into Israel to urge the prime minister to temporarily stop the military offensive to allow aid into Gaza, amid rising concern over civilian casualties as the fighting intensifies.
Late yesterday, the Hamas-controlled health authorities reported that an airstrike had hit a convoy of ambulances outside Gaza's largest hospital. The report could not immediately be independently verified, but an Agence France-Presse journalist at the scene reported seeing bodies beside a damaged ambulance.
Blinken was in the Middle East for a second time in less than a month seeking to avert regional escalation of the conflict but also to balance Washington's strong support for Israel over the deadly Hamas attack with growing concern among US policymakers about civilian casualties inflicted by Israel.
US officials hope that a pause in the fighting will allow much needed humanitarian aid to reach desperate civilians in Gaza and help negotiations to free the more than 240 hostages who were seized by Hamas during the 7 October raids. Obtaining their liberty is a key objective of the Israeli offensive. So far four have been freed by Hamas and one rescued by Israeli forces.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 04, 2023 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 04, 2023 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career
