Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed concerns over a possible “catastrophic increase” in civilian casualties in Gaza and warned of the risk of a regional war. After conversations with Iranian and Arab leaders, including Syrian, Egyptian, and Iranian counterparts, as well as Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, Putin emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a humanitarian truce. The leaders collectively called for an end to hostilities and swift stabilization of the situation.
Putin stated his readiness to coordinate efforts with constructive partners to halt the conflict. Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ representative in the Holy Land, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, offered to exchange himself for Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza. About 200 people, including a dozen children, are believed to be held hostage.
In an interview, US President Joe Biden acknowledged Israel’s need to respond to Hamas attacks but cautioned against a full occupation of Gaza. He highlighted the difficulty of dealing with a group like Hamas that hides among civilians. Biden emphasized Israel’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
In related developments, Egypt reported that Israel was not cooperating with the delivery of aid into Gaza and the evacuation of foreign passport holders through the Rafah crossing. Talks with Israel on alleviating the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza were said to be unproductive.
As Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza, residents face worsening conditions, including water shortages, mounting garbage, flattened homes, and overwhelmed hospitals. Desperate for drinking water, some have resorted to digging wells or using salty tap water from Gaza’s contaminated aquifer. The Gaza authorities reported significant casualties, with thousands killed or wounded and others missing under the rubble.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed plans to visit Israel and Egypt, expressing solidarity with Israel and addressing the aftermath of the recent attack by Hamas militants.
