Hamas Conflict: Major Powers Back Israel's Right to Self-Defense

 

Leaders from six influential nations, including the United Kingdom, held a teleconference to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict. The conference featured British leader Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

The primary focus of this crucial conference was a unanimous endorsement of Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, as stated in an official announcement by PM Sunak. The leaders emphasized the need to protect civilian lives and uphold international humanitarian standards. The conference also welcomed the recent release of two hostages and urged for the prompt liberation of those who remain in captivity.

Given the rising casualties, affecting both Palestinians in Gaza and Israelis, the leaders committed to ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and uninterrupted delivery of essential humanitarian aid, including healthcare, water, and food, to the Palestinian population in Gaza.

As per Al Jazeera, the conflict has resulted in over 4,385 Palestinian and more than 1,400 Israeli casualties since the Hamas attacks began on October 7.

Beyond the six nations involved in the conference, India has dispatched 38.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Sinai region in Egypt to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

In the context of this conflict, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional anti-aircraft systems. Both Canada and France have stated that Israel is not responsible for the recent explosion at a medical facility in the Gaza Strip. However, Turkey's President Erdogan's significant political partner, Devlet Bahceli, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding action if Israel continues its current activities.

This conflict has also evoked widespread public sentiment, as seen in the United Kingdom, where approximately 100,000 protesters gathered to demand an end to Israel's military actions."