Middle East on the Brink: Israel-Hamas War Escalates, Threatening Regional Stability

Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and other regional authorities have condemned Israel for its attacks on Gaza, expressing support for fighters in Gaza and calling for an end to the killing of innocent civilians. The war between Israel and Hamas has claimed over 2,200 lives in just five days. Israel has also faced rocket fire from Syria and Lebanon, prompting concerns of a regional war. The Vatican has called for the release of hostages taken by Hamas, while the King of Jordan has called for a two-state solution. Al-Azhar al-Sharif, a major university in Egypt, has accused Israel of war crimes and genocide. Egyptian President el-Sissi is seeking to contain the situation, and the Pope expressed concern for the total siege on Palestinians in Gaza.