Diplomatic Efforts and Humanitarian Crisis US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is traveling to Israel as part of international efforts to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East. There is growing pressure for essential supplies, such as food and fuel, to be allowed into Gaza. The United Nations reports that over 338,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formed a National Emergency Unity government with opposition leader Benny Gantz.
'Cruel Enemy' Hamas and Devastation in Gaza "Israel says hundreds of thousands of its troops are gathering outside Gaza" while continuing airstrikes on the region. Palestinian Health Ministry confirms at least 1,200 Palestinians killed since Saturday's retaliatory air strikes by Israel; similar number dead among Israelis due to multiple assaults by Hamas. Gaza faces severe humanitarian crisis: lack of electricity, food shortages affecting civilians who were forced out or lost their homes due to bombings."