Israel faced mounting pressure on Wednesday from its allies regarding its actions in Gaza. The United States, a key supporter, criticized Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks as “indiscriminate,” and the United Nations General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the devastated territory.
The conflict began after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli authorities. The Hamas-run health ministry reported a higher casualty count of over 18,400, with a recent wave of Israeli air strikes causing at least 50 more deaths.
U.S. President Joe Biden initially expressed concerns about Israel’s indiscriminate bombing, stating that they were losing support. However, he later toned down his comments while reiterating support for Israel, emphasizing the safety of innocent Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a disagreement with Biden over the governance of post-conflict Gaza, indicating a rare rift between the allies. Leaders of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, also Israel allies, called for a ceasefire, expressing alarm at the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire, with 153 member nations voting in favor, while the U.S. and Israel voted against it. UN agencies and humanitarian organizations raised concerns about the dire situation in Gaza, describing it as “hell on earth” and warning of the spread of diseases due to overcrowded living conditions.
Israel’s air and ground campaign has left much of Gaza in ruins, with 18 percent of its infrastructure destroyed according to UN satellite analysis. Aid groups warn of an imminent humanitarian crisis, pleading with Israel to protect civilians. The conflict’s toll includes displaced people, destroyed infrastructure, and a rising risk of starvation and disease in Gaza. Fears of a wider conflict persist, with Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. and allied forces in Iraq and Syria, and ongoing exchanges of fire along Israel’s border with Lebanon.
