The US affirms its commitment to Israel, Egypt expresses its stance regarding the Rafah border gate, Germany comments on Palestine... are some notable news about the Israel-Hamas conflict.
 |
| The death toll from the Israel-Hamas conflict has surpassed 10,000. Here, IDF soldiers carry the body of a victim of a Hamas attack in Kfar Aza, Israel on October 10. (Source: AFP) |
* Israel continues to attack the Gaza Strip, identifies hostages: On October 12, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that since October 7, “about 6,000 bombs, with a total weight of 4,000 tons, have been dropped on the Gaza Strip.”
On the same day, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on television that Israel had been able to confirm the identities of 97 people taken hostage in Gaza during the Hamas attack on October 7. He stressed that the Israeli offensive against the besieged Gaza Strip was aimed at “eliminating the ability of the Islamic militant movement to rule.” The official said the IDF was “preparing for the next phase” of the conflict, adding that 222 Israeli soldiers had been killed since October 7.
Earlier, Israeli officials confirmed on the morning of October 10 that the death toll had risen to 1,200, with 2,900 injured. For its part, the Palestinian Health Authority confirmed that the total casualties after the IDF's attack on Gaza had reached more than 1,100 dead and more than 5,000 injured, the majority of whom were civilians.
* US Secretary of State affirms commitment to Israel: On October 12, speaking when meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared: “You can be strong enough to defend yourself. As long as America exists, you will never have to do that. We will always be by your side.”
He said US military aid was continuing to flow to Israel, after Iron Dome interceptor missiles were added a few days ago. The US secretary of state affirmed bipartisan support for continued support for Israel, while warning Israel's enemies not to take advantage of the current situation to attack Israel.
At least 25 Americans have been killed in Hamas attacks on Israel, he said, adding that Washington would work closely with the Jewish state to ensure the release of those kidnapped.
Notably, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that Palestinians also have “legitimate aspirations” that the Hamas Islamist movement does not represent.
For his part, Mr. Netanyahu thanked the US for supporting Israel against Hamas.
* Egypt calls on Israel not to target Rafah border crossing with Gaza Strip: On October 12, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement stating: “The Rafah border crossing remains open and has not been closed since the beginning of the current crisis. However, the basic infrastructure on the Palestinian side has been destroyed due to repeated Israeli attacks, which have prevented the normal operation of the crossing.” The statement also stressed that attacks on the Rafah border crossing should be avoided so that it can be restored and serve as a lifeline for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
At the same time, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry called on all countries, regional and international organizations to provide humanitarian and relief aid to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict. The statement said that Cairo has now transferred international aid for Gaza to al-Arish airport in Egypt's northern Sinai Peninsula.
* Germany's assessment of the conflict, Canada evacuates citizens: On October 12, speaking at the German Parliament, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Hamas's attack on Israel harmed Germany's cooperation with the Palestinians. He also criticized the silence of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on Hamas' actions against the Israelis. According to Chancellor Scholz, this is "shameful".
He also said that the incident forced Germany to review all development cooperation with the Palestinian territories. Until this process is completed, Germany will not provide any new development cooperation funds.
Chancellor Scholz explained that German humanitarian aid provides more than half of the Palestinian population – especially in the Gaza Strip – with the most basic things they need to survive, such as food, foodstuffs and basic healthcare. However, due to the attack on Israel, the suffering and misery of the people of the Gaza Strip will only continue to increase. He affirmed that Hamas must be held responsible for this.
For his part, on the same day, Canadian Minister Bill Blair said that Ottawa's first evacuation flight had departed from Tel Aviv to Athens, Greece, with about 130 people on board. These rescue flights were operated by the Canadian military to transport Canadian citizens and permanent residents from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. They were taken to Athens Airport and from there they would be arranged to board Air Canada flights to return home.
“We are working tirelessly to support Canadians in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. We continue to be there for Canadians in need,” he wrote on social media platform X.
About 1,000 people have contacted the Department of Global Affairs for assistance, and an estimated 70 per cent, or about 700 people, are in need of evacuation flights, according to Ottawa officials. Canada is prioritizing passengers with valid documentation and ready to travel, stranded tourists and vulnerable people.
Source
Comment (0)