Israel’s assault on Gaza claims 85 lives, ignoring global appeals for a ceasefire
Israel intensifies deadly strikes on Palestinians in Gaza, defying ceasefire demands voiced by world leaders at the UN General Assembly
At least 12 Palestinians including seven women and two children were killed in an Israeli strike on al-Ahli Stadium in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where displaced families had taken shelter. The attack came as Israel pressed ahead with its relentless bombardment of Gaza despite repeated calls for a ceasefire from world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.
The stadium, converted into a makeshift refuge for families fleeing the Israeli assault, became the site of yet another massacre on Wednesday. “I only had what I had in my hand. I left with nothing,” said Najwa, a displaced woman from Gaza City. “We are frightened. Transportation is expensive. We can’t pay to bring our things.”
Israel’s overnight attacks left at least 85 Palestinians dead across Gaza more than double the previous day’s toll. The UN warned that Israel’s military campaign is “inflicting terror” on Gaza’s population, forcing tens of thousands to flee. While Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir insisted civilians were being moved south “for their safety,” UN investigators rejected this claim, saying Israel’s actions were aimed at asserting permanent control over Gaza while consolidating a Jewish majority in the West Bank and inside Israel.
Since October 7, 2023, at least 65,419 Palestinians have been killed and more than 167,000 wounded. Thousands remain trapped under the rubble. Israel launched its campaign after Hamas-led attacks killed 1,139 people in Israel and took about 200 hostages, of whom more than 40 are still held in Gaza.
At the UN General Assembly, Israel’s war on Gaza dominated proceedings. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing of children, saying perpetrators “are not worthy of the name human being.” Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa demanded an immediate ceasefire, while Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide revealed “quiet talks” are under way, building on the “New York Declaration” backed by 142 states in July.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, confirming that President Donald Trump’s 21-point peace plan had been circulated. But past efforts have repeatedly collapsed, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused of derailing negotiations including ordering air strikes in Doha against Hamas leaders discussing Trump’s initiative earlier this month. Netanyahu also scrapped the last ceasefire deal in March, launching renewed bombardments and imposing a total aid blockade that has triggered famine.
As global condemnation mounts, Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes. Protests have erupted in Israel itself, with crowds at Ben Gurion Airport denouncing the prime minister as he left for the UN meeting. Before departing, Netanyahu rejected calls for Palestinian statehood, declaring that “the shameful surrender of some leaders to Palestinian terrorism will not bind Israel in any way.”
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