- President Joe Biden announced during his State of the Union speech that the US will be building a temporary pier on Gaza’s coastline to allow aid to enter.
- Biden said that Israel “must allow more aid into Gaza” and ensure that “humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire”.
- Biden also told Tel Aviv that “protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority”.
- Hamas delegation has left Cairo with an official with the group saying Israel “thwarted” all attempts by mediators to reach an agreement.
- At least 30,800 Palestinians have been killed and 72,198 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, and dozens continue to be held captive.
US’ Austin stresses ‘critical need’ to surge Gaza aid in call with GallantUS Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has told his Israeli counterpart that it is a “critical need” to surge humanitarian aid through all possible entry points in Gaza.Austin spoke on the phone with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant about Israeli operations in Gaza, according to a statement by Pentagon.In the call, Austin also stressed the need to ensure the safe distribution of aid once delivered to Gaza.“Austin and Minister Gallant discussed the urgent need to secure the immediate release of hostages held captive by Hamas,” the Pentagon statement said.Click here to share on social media
- US, UK and France call for UNSC meeting over sex crimes claims: ReportsIsrael’s Foreign Ministry says the US, Britain and France have submitted a request for a UN Security Council emergency meeting over the findings of a UN report on the alleged sexual crimes in the October 7 attack, according to the Israeli media.Reports said that the move comes after a request from Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and the members of the UNSC also wish to meet with Premila Patten, the UN special representative on sexual violence in conflicts and the author of the report.Katz had recalled the country’s UN ambassador for consultations earlier in the week over alleged attempts by the organisation to keep quiet on the report in question.Israel’s foreign minister also slammed UN chief Antonio Guterres over the report, saying that he “brought the organisation to the lowest level”.Click here to share on social media
- Netanyahu: Israel’s war in Gaza ‘could not be more just’In his speech to graduating Israeli military officers on Thursday, Netanyahu conceded that Israel is under growing global scrutiny for its five-month offensive in Gaza, which has killed at least 30,800 people, the majority women and children.However, he said Israel would not be deterred by the pressure and would press ahead towards “total victory”.“There is international pressure, and it is increasing,” Netanyahu said. “But it is precisely when the international pressure increases that we must close ranks among ourselves. We must stand together against the attempts to stop the war.”“Soldiers and officers, we are in the midst of a war that could not be more just,” he added.Click here to share on social media
- Israelis will be allowed to visit Al-Aqsa during Ramadan: ReportIsrael’s police forces say that Israelis will be allowed to visit the Al-Aqsa compound during the first week of Ramadan.The statement quoted by the Associated Press news agency raised concerns about the access for Palestinians to the revered site during the holy month.The authorities in Israel say they will work to maintain freedom of worship for Muslims at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Ramadan, set to begin next week, while maintaining security and safety needs.Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the same number of people as last year would be allowed to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers during the first week of Ramadan.
- Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/3/8/israels-war-on-gaza-live-60000-pregnant-women-face-malnutrition-in-gaza
