G7 ministers urge humanitarian aid amid rising death toll in Gaza

Belgium’s deputy premier seeks sanctions against Israel and investigations into the bombings of hospitals and refugee camps in Gaza

Muslim Network TV Desk

GAZA, Palestine – In the wake of continuous airstrikes by Israel on Gaza, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported a steep rise in casualties, with at least 214 Palestinians killed in the last 24 hours alone.

The escalating conflict has led to the destruction of key religious sites, including two mosques in Khan Younis, and has left numerous civilians trapped under rubble. Airstrikes on residential areas have resulted in a tragic toll: 17 deaths at a Nuseirat refugee camp house and 15 fatalities in Jabalia refugee camp.

The conflict, which commenced on October 7, has displaced over 1.4 million Palestinians and has seen the death of 41 journalists, 36 of whom were Palestinian, as stated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The organization has highlighted the perilous conditions for journalists in the region, criticizing Israeli authorities for their indifference to media safety. More than 50 media sites have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health, revealed a harrowing death toll of 10,569. Of those, 4,324 are children, 2,823 women, 649 elderly. Another 26,475 people are wounded. At least 2,550 people are missing, including 1,350 children. Most of these people are believed to have died and are currently buried under rubble.

In response to the crisis, G7 foreign ministers, while calling for humanitarian pauses and corridors during their meeting in Tokyo, stopped short of advocating for a ceasefire.

They reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law but urged Iran to cease supporting Hamas and to avoid further destabilization of the region.

The ministers condemned the rise in violence by “extremist” settlers in the West Bank and advocated for a two-state solution.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a lasting peace that precludes the forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza, suggesting post-war unification under the Palestinian Authority.

In contrast, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed opposition to U.S. sanctions against foreign supporters of Hamas.

Amidst these diplomatic moves, Qatar has reportedly stepped in to mediate negotiations between Israel and Hamas, potentially trading a temporary ceasefire for the release of hostages.

Belgium’s deputy prime minister called on the her government to impose sanctions against Israel and investigate the bombings of hospitals and refugee camps in Gaza.

“It is time for sanctions against Israel. The rain of bombs is inhumane,” deputy prime minister Petra De Sutter told Nieuwsblad newspaper. “It is clear that Israel does not care about the international demands for a ceasefire,” she said.

De Sutter said the European Union should immediately suspend its association agreement with Israel, which aims at better economic and political cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Irish prime minister has said he is pushing his fellow EU leaders to agree to make a united call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

Leo Varadkar told the lower house of parliament that he has been “struck” by the number of children who have been killed and paid tribute to the “real heroes” the aid workers who have remained behind.

As the international community grapples with the complex dynamics of the conflict, the immediate concern remains the provision of urgent humanitarian aid to the countless affected civilians.