Israeli Troops Surround Gaza City in Israel-Hamas Conflict

The United States has urged Israel to protect civilians in Gaza and increase humanitarian assistance, while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the European Union have also called for the implementation of humanitarian pauses and corridors. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Israel's right to defend itself but emphasized the need to protect Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire. The United Nations has launched an emergency aid appeal for $1.2 billion to assist the 2.7 million people in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel plans to cut ties with Gaza and send Palestinian workers back to the territory, a move that has raised concerns about their safety. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar criticized Israel's actions, stating that they resembled revenge rather than self-defense. The United Arab Emirates warned of the risk of regional spillover and is working to secure a humanitarian ceasefire. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah praised Hamas' attacks on Israel but claimed his group was not involved, while the Israeli military announced the elimination of a Hamas battalion commander.