"Israel-Gaza Conflict Escalates: UN Assembly to Vote on Ceasefire as Heavy Fighting Continues"

Israel continues its bombing campaign in Gaza, with heavy fighting reported in central and southern areas. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlights the spread of infectious diseases in Gaza due to overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions in shelters. Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid on the West Bank city of Jenin. The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. Israel's Defense Minister says the current phase of the operation against Hamas will "take time" and could stretch on for weeks or months. The US expresses concern over reports of Israel using white phosphorus bombs. Israel will open additional checkpoints to examine relief supplies before sending them to Gaza through the Rafah gateway. European leaders call for a discussion on a Gaza ceasefire at the EU summit. Qatar has reportedly spoken with Israel about talks for a possible new pause in the fighting. Italy, France, and Germany call for ad hoc sanctions against Hamas and its supporters. France considers imposing national sanctions on those involved in illegal Israeli settlements. Harvard University faces pressure to publicly declare support for or oust the university president over remarks made on antisemitism. UN Security Council ambassadors visit the Rafah border crossing. Israel urges the UN to improve aid delivery to Gaza. Israel reports 104 military casualties in Gaza since the ground operation began.