International law states that in the occurrence of a war, the warring factions must differentiate between combatants and civilians. however, most often than not, civilians are slaughtered, maimed or made orphans amid the fury of conflict.
The same is being witnessed in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Scores of innocent civilians are killed every day.
More women and children are being killed. More residential buildings and other public facilities – including hospitals and schools – are being destroyed.
U.S President, Joe Biden has stated that it is Israel’s responsibility to differentiate between the Hamas militants and Palestinian civilians in its strikes on Gaza.
Biden added that Israel had to take care to “minimise civilian deaths” as the death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza approaches 20,000 since October 7.
U.S has since the advent of the war, supported Israel’s right to defend itself but seeing the death toll rise, calls began to be made to Israel to try and protect civilian lives.
So far, it seems Israel is not heading to such calls or is not trying enough to prevent hitting civilians. It is said that Hamas is mingled among the civilians, using them as human shields.
Biden also emphasised what he called Israel’s “burden” in fighting Hamas, “a military enemy that says they have one goal… the elimination – using terror – of the entire state of Israel.”
He also said that the U.S was discussing with Israel and Arab states the future formation of a Palestinian state “with Israel’s security guaranteed.”
This follows a statement made by CPJ President, who asserted that journalists in Gaza appear to have been targeted.
In an interview, Jody Ginsberg, the President of the Committee to Protect Journalists(CPJ), said that several journalists in Gaza were killed despite “clearly carrying” press insignia and press equipment.
Ginsberg said those involved in what appears to be “targeted” killings should be held responsible and accountable.
“And that means us being able to investigate those deaths and particularly see if any of those deaths involved the killing – the deliberate killing or targeting of journalists,” she said.
“Journalists are civilians, and civilians should not be targeted in war.”
So far, the CPJ has recorded at least 68 journalists and media workers killed since the conflict broke out on October 7. That includes 61 Palestinians, four Israelis, and three Lebanese.
UK Foreign Minister To Travel To Jordan, Egypt This Week
Foreign Minister of UK, David Cameron is scheduled to visit Jordan and Egypt.
It will be David Cameron’s second trip to the region since he became Foreign Minister last month.
The UK foreign office stated that he will focus on “the urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire involving the release of hostages and an end to rocket fire into Israel”.
Cameron will visit Egypt’s El Arish, near the Egypt-Gaza border, as well as the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organisation.
“I will be seeking to build on Israel’s decision to open the Kerem Shalom [Karem Abu Salem] crossing to ensure significantly more aid and fuel can reach Gaza, through as many routes as possible,” Cameron said.
“No one wants to see this conflict go on for a moment longer than necessary. But for a ceasefire to work, it needs to be sustainable,” he added.
“If Israel is still facing Hamas in Gaza with rockets and terror tactics, not only will a ceasefire not be sustainable, a two-state solution in the longer term will also not be possible.”
David Cameron
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