(VOVWORLD) - Israel’s government spokesperson Eylon Levy said on Wednesday that at least half of the Hamas commanders in the Gaza Strip have been killed since the beginning of Israel’s operation "Iron Sword" on October 7.
 Israel says its ground attack on Gaza needs to last at least another month (Photo: VNA) |
At an international press conference in Tel Aviv, Levy said the ground campaign in Gaza is making progress, significantly reducing Hamas's military capacity.
According to the Israeli military, its ground attack on Gaza needs to last at least another month to put enough pressure on Hamas to return to negotiating a hostage and prisoner exchange. The Israeli army is stepping up ground combat operations in southern Gaza, especially in Khan Yunnis city.
The EU plans to organize six flights in December to provide essential humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. This would increase EU’s aid total to 1,000 tons and 30 flights within the framework of the EU’s “air bridge” operation. The flights will transport tents, hygiene items, and medical equipment from Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia , Spain, and Germany.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres asked the Security Council on Wednesday to take action to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and call on relevant parties to declare a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes.
In a joint statement, G7 leaders said they remain committed to a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution that will enable both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace.
Some 1.9 million out of 2.2 million Palestinians have been displaced and are being pushed into ever-diminishing and extremely overcrowded, unsanitary, and unhealthy places in southern Gaza, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.
He said the humanitarian situation in the occupied West Bank is particularly alarming, calling on Israeli officials to take urgent steps to end the violence.