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Israel will allow aid from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on October 18, stating that only food, water and medicine will be allowed into the Gaza Strip.
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| Injured victim at hospital. Photo: AP |
Blame it on each other
On the same day, according to CNN, a series of countries and international organizations condemned the explosion at Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City that killed at least 500 people. The World Health Organization (WHO) asked relevant parties to protect civilians and provide immediate health care for the people.
The explosion occurred at a time when Hamas was launching a series of rockets and missiles into central Israel, many of which reached as far as Tel Aviv. Hamas blamed Israel for the attack and said the explosion was caused by an Israeli airstrike. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied any involvement in the incident and blamed the explosion on the Islamic Jihad group, an ally of Hamas. The IDF released video of the hospital explosion scene after the attack to prove its innocence.
According to the Hamas government's health agency, the Ahli Arab Hospital has received hundreds of patients and is also a shelter for thousands of people who have been displaced by the continuous attacks from Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days of national mourning to honor the victims of the explosion. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences to the people of Gaza over the "horrific tragedy". Mr. Guterres called on all parties in the Gaza Strip to immediately implement a ceasefire to allow for humanitarian relief.
Crude oil prices have surged on growing concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies from the region. In Asia, Brent crude rose 1.7% to $91.45 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 1.9% to $88.32 a barrel.
US sends troops to support Israel
On the same day, US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel. During the visit, President Biden met with host country Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many high-ranking Israeli officials. The US leader also planned to go to Amman to meet with Jordanian King Abdullah and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. According to the original plan, President Joe Biden would attend a meeting with Middle Eastern leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Mr. Abbas canceled his participation in the meeting.
According to NBC News, about 2,000 US troops have been ordered to prepare for deployment to support Israel. The troops have not yet departed and will not go to Israel or Gaza. If deployed, they will arrive in a nearby country within 24 hours to prepare to support Israel in the fight against Hamas. The US Department of Defense also deployed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, coordinating with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier group already present.
Vietnam calls for resolving disagreements through peaceful means, on the basis of international law.
On October 18, answering reporters' questions about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said: "We call on all parties to immediately cease fire, end the use of force, respect international humanitarian law, resume negotiations, and resolve disagreements through peaceful means, on the basis of international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations, in order to achieve a fair, satisfactory and long-term solution for the Middle East peace process, ensuring the lives, security and safety of people." Ms. Pham Thu Hang affirmed that Vietnam supports and is ready to participate in the international community's joint efforts to promote dialogue and provide humanitarian assistance to people in conflict areas, contributing to ensuring peace, security and stability in the region and the world.
THANH NAM
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