"Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates: A 20-Day Update"

The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed over 6,500 Palestinians, including thousands of children, since October 7. US President Joe Biden called for a two-state solution after the current conflict ends and expressed no demand for Israel to delay a ground invasion. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is preparing for a ground invasion to destroy Hamas's military and governmental capabilities. Israel has agreed to let the US deploy air defenses to the region. The World Health Organization called on Hamas to provide proof of life for hostages and release them on health grounds. Relief efforts in Gaza are at risk of stopping due to fuel shortages, and Oxfam accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. The UN described scenes of chaos and exhaustion in Gaza's hospitals due to a total blockade, fuel shortage, and relentless Israeli bombing. The UN secretary general expressed shock at Israel misrepresenting his remarks and called for his resignation. Israel rejected Turkish President Erdogan's assertion that Hamas is not a terrorist organization. Qatar hopes for a breakthrough in negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for pauses in the fighting to allow humanitarian aid. French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi urged efforts to avoid a ground invasion. The UN stated that Israel's blockade has left Gaza's economy hollowed out and the majority of its population dependent on international aid. The US expressed disappointment after Russia vetoed a UN resolution supporting Israel's right to self-defense and humanitarian pauses.