20/07/24
On Thursday, the Israeli parliament overwhelmingly voted to reject a two state solution. Even Benny Gantz, the so-called “centrist”, voted to reject. This is an individual that Washington DC thinks would be a better pick than Netanyahu. [1]
This came at the same time the ICJ ruled that Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and Gaza is apartheid and illegal. They’ve demanded that Israel immediately withdraws from those areas and have asked the international community to mount pressure on Israel to do thus. [2]
Gaza’s health ministry reports that 54 people were killed in Israeli attacks on the enclave in the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of Palestinians killed since the war began on October 7th to 38,848. In addition to the staggering death toll, 89,456 people have been wounded since the start of the conflict. Some estimates suggest an even higher toll. [3]
The medical science journal, The Lancet, has “conservatively” estimated that over 186,000 people have died in Gaza. This figure represents eight percent of the population, a devastating impact that includes unaccounted bodies. [4]
Turning now to international reactions and aid: Britain’s foreign minister, David Lammy, has announced a significant decision in parliament.
He stated that the UK is reassured that the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, has taken steps to “ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality.” Britain had been one of several countries to halt their funding to UNRWA following accusations by Israel. These accusations alleged that some of the agency’s staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the current Gaza war.
David Lammy confirmed, “I can confirm to the House that we are overturning the suspension of UNRWA funding.” He continued, “Britain will provide 21 million pounds, or approximately 27 million dollars, in funds to the agency.” This move marks a significant shift in support for UNRWA amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [5]
Meanwhile, hostilities in the north of occupied Palestine have been escalating. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, known as ACLED, Israel, Hezbollah, and other armed groups in Lebanon have exchanged at least 7,400 attacks across the border from October 7, 2023, to June 21, 2024. [6]
Israel has conducted about 83 percent of these attacks, totaling 6,142 incidents. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 543 people in Lebanon. Hezbollah and other armed groups were responsible for 1,258 attacks, which killed at least 21 Israelis. [6]
Hostilities have intensified in recent weeks, and the possibility of a full-scale Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon looms over the region.
[1] Al Jazeera. (2024). UN chief slams Israel for dooming prospects for two-state solution. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/17/un-chief-slams-israel-for-dooming-prospects-for-two-state-solution [Accessed 20 Jul. 2024].
[2] Siddique, H. and correspondent, H.S.L. affairs (2024). UN court orders Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories. The Guardian. [online] 19 Jul. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/19/israels-settlement-policies-break-international-law-court-finds [Accessed 20 Jul. 2024].
[3] Mohamed, M.G. (2024). Israel-Palestine conflict | Live updates | Today’s latest from Al Jazeera. [online] Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/7/20/israels-war-on-gaza-live-calls-grow-on-israel-to-end-palestine-occupation [Accessed 20 Jul. 2024].
[4] Al Jazeera. (2024.). Gaza toll could exceed 186,000, Lancet study says. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/8/gaza-toll-could-exceed-186000-lancet-study-says.
[5] GOV.UK. (2024). UK to restart funding to UNRWA. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-restart-funding-to-unrwa [Accessed 20 Jul. 2024].
[6] Al Jazeera. (2024). Mapping 7,400 cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanon. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/27/mapping-7400-cross-border-attacks-between-israel-and-lebanon.
