July 18, 2024
3 mins read

Israeli forces shell central Gaza, tanks advance in Rafah

In one incident, an Israeli airstrike around midnight targeted a house in Al-Zawyda, killing eight people…reports Asian Lite News

Israeli forces intensified their operations in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians, according to health officials.

In one incident, an Israeli airstrike around midnight targeted a house in Al-Zawyda, killing eight people.

Another strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp claimed the life of one man; this camp had already witnessed a tragic airstrike on a school the previous day, which killed 23 people.

Residents reported that Israeli tanks also shelled the eastern areas of Al-Bureij and Al-Maghazi camps, and an airstrike destroyed a mosque.

In the southern city of Rafah, Israeli tanks conducted a limited raid in the north before retreating, a strategy previously employed in other areas.

Since May, tanks have been active in most parts of Rafah but have avoided deeper incursions into the northern districts.

Medics reported that two people were killed in Rafah by an Israeli strike on Wednesday. Residents also claimed that Israeli forces had demolished dozens of homes.

The Israeli military stated that their troops were engaged in “precise, intelligence-based operational activity in the Rafah area,” having eliminated a terrorist cell and a launcher used against their forces.

They also mentioned that airstrikes had hit 25 targets across Gaza over the past day, and that troops were continuing operations in the central region to dismantle observation structures.

India presses for Gaza truce, hostage release at UN

India at the United Nations has reiterated its call for an immediate and complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and called for the release of the hostages without any conditions.

Delivering his remarks at the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Open Debate on the Middle East on Wednesday, India’s Deputy Representative to the UN, R Ravindra, also underlined that India’s developmental assistance to Palestine, in various forms over the years, amounts close to USD 120 million.

“India was among the countries which strongly and unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. We have also condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We have called for restraint, de-escalation and emphasized peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said

He urged adherence to international law and international humanitarian law under all circumstances.

“We reiterate the call for an immediate, full and complete ceasefire, safe, timely and sustained humanitarian assistance and unrestricted access to relief and essential humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip. In addition, we also call for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” Ambassador R Ravindra said.

He also appreciated the role of countries like Qatar and Egypt for their continued engagement with the leadership of Israel and Palestine.

“We have consistently reiterated our position in all the relevant multilateral fora,” he added.

India stands for peace and stability in the region. “It has been our longstanding position that we support a two-state solution that entails the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine within recognized and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace. With due regard to the security needs of Israel, India was represented at the senior level at the International High-Level Conference on Urgent humanitarian response to Gaza held in Jordan last month,” the Ambassador said.

He also underlined that India’s developmental assistance to Palestine, in various forms over the years, amounts close to USD 120 million.

“Our developmental assistance to Palestine in various forms over the years amounts close to USD 120 million, including USD 35 million as a contribution to UNRWA. India has been providing an annual contribution of USD 5 million since 2018 to UNRWA. We have already announced the disbursement of USD 2.5 million. The first trans of our annual contribution to UNRWA was transferred early this week on July 15, 2024,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, he stated that India stands ready to continue its engagement with the region with an abiding faith in realizing the vision of sustained peace and stability in West Asia.(ANI)

ALSO READ: Indonesian Prez starts state visit to UAE today

Previous Story

UAE President announces 18 July as ‘Union Pledge Day’

Next Story

Russia-Ukraine exchange 190 prisoners after UAE mediation

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pressure On Israel To Prolong Ceasefire

US President Joe Biden said he supports prolonging the ceasefire,

Iranians Rally in Support of Strikes on Israel

The procession demonstrated solidarity with the Palestinians, asserting that Palestine