Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip – USA speaks of “horrific images”

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Lerato Khumalo

Israel’s retaliation against Iran is becoming more concrete, according to a report. The US criticizes Israel for an attack on a hospital. All developments in the news blog.

7.25 a.m.: Shortly after an evacuation request from the Israeli army, the south of the Lebanese capital Beirut was hit by air strikes, according to reports from AFP journalists. Black smoke rose between buildings in the predominantly Shiite district of Haret Hreik after the attack on Wednesday morning. The Israeli military had previously asked residents to leave the area.

“They are close to facilities and interests linked to Hezbollah” and against which the Israeli military “will act shortly” in the Haret Hreik area, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in Arabic almost an hour earlier Online service X written.

0.22 a.m.: World Bank President Ajay Banga estimates war damage from Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip at $14 billion to $20 billion. Destruction from Israel’s bombing of southern Lebanon is likely to add to that regional total, Banga said at a Reuters Next event in Washington. The war has so far had a relatively small impact on the global economy, but a significant expansion of the conflict would involve other countries that make larger contributions to global growth, including commodity exporters.

10:02 p.m.: After a deadly attack by the Israeli military on a hospital complex in the Gaza Strip, the US government said it has asked Israel for clarification. “Yes, I have seen some of these images and they are horrific,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said when asked. Footage had previously become public that appeared to show a man burning alive. “We urged the Israelis over the weekend for detailed information on these specific operations,” Kirby said.

US media, citing Palestinian authorities and the United Nations, reported at least four dead and numerous injured in the attack. The hospital grounds were reportedly home to a refugee camp for people seeking protection within the Gaza Strip. According to the New York Times, survivors described how flames jumped from tent to tent after the attack as people fled in panic. A school used as a shelter was also hit.

6:02 p.m.: According to media reports, the US government is calling on Israel to noticeably improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within 30 days. Otherwise there is a risk of violating US laws on military support – which could also potentially jeopardize American military aid to Israel.

As reported by CNN and the Washington Post, among others, the letter sent on Sunday was written jointly by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. It is addressed to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

In the letter, Blinken and Austin express “deep concern” about the situation in Gaza. They are calling for “urgent and sustained measures” from the Israeli government to improve the situation. According to the letter, the volume of aid deliveries has fallen by more than 50 percent since the spring, with the lowest level in September since the beginning of the year. However, the USA is bound by the “Leahy” law. This prohibits the country from providing military aid to armed forces that are involved in serious human rights violations. However, more and more critics are accusing Israel of this.

5:51 p.m.: Dozens of people have been killed again in Israeli attacks in Lebanon. A total of 41 people were killed in various regions on Monday, the Ministry of Health announced in the afternoon. 124 others were injured.