"Israeli Strikes on Gaza Shelters: Blinken Calls for Protection of Civilians"

Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed multiple civilians at a U.N. shelter and hospital, while the United States and Arab partners disagree on the need for an immediate cease-fire. Israel's offensive to crush Hamas has intensified, with large columns of smoke rising from Gaza as the military claims to have encircled Gaza City. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Arab foreign ministers in Jordan, with Arab countries seeking an immediate cease-fire, while Blinken believes that humanitarian pauses can protect civilians while enabling Israel to achieve its objective. The World Health Organization called attacks on healthcare in Gaza "unacceptable," and the U.N. Secretary-General urged an immediate cease-fire to allow aid in. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a high number of casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis.