Israel-Hamas War: Situation Report as U.S. Secretary of State, Blinken Heads to Israel

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads on Friday to Israel, his third trip since October 7, to discuss “concrete steps” to minimize harm to Gaza civilians even as Washington, DC, resists a ceasefire call.

This is as Israel proceeded with deadly air attacks on Gaza early on Friday, even as the number of people killed in the Palestinian enclave rises to at least 9,061. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel. 19 soldiers have also been killed since the beginning of the ground invasion.

“We’re determined to prevent escalation, to prevent the spread of this conflict, and we’re taking necessary steps to try to make sure that that happens.” – Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in remarks to the press before departing for Israel and Jordan.

According to the Palestinian news agency, Wafa, several people killed and wounded arrived at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, following the latest Israeli air strikes that targeted three areas in the northern part of the besieged enclave.

Similarly, multiple deaths and injuries were reported in northern Gaza after the latest Israeli air strikes

The latest developments have triggered a series of questions about when the crisis would end following the refusal of the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu to heed the call from the United Nations for a ceasefire.

Consequently, several deaths and injuries were also reported following a new wave of air strikes on the Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps, as well as in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central part of the Gaza Strip.
The casualties were taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, according to Wafa.

Recall that the Israeli military says it has surrounded Gaza City and is pressing forward, with a spokesperson adding that a ceasefire is “not on the table” despite international pressure.