Israeli forces continue their ground offensive in Gaza City with no indications of de-escalation, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly gathering in New York, where numerous countries are preparing to recognize a Palestinian state. As of now, hundreds of thousands of residents remain in Gaza City, which has been severely damaged after nearly two years of conflict and struggling with famine. The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of the Jordanian Hospital, a crucial healthcare facility in the region, according to a Palestinian health official.
The current Israeli military operation, which began on Tuesday, represents a further escalation in a conflict that has dramatically affected the Middle East, likely delaying any potential ceasefire. The Israeli military has stated that its objective is to "destroy Hamas' military infrastructure," although no timeline has been provided for the offensive, hinting that it may continue for several months. Many residents of Gaza City, which had a population of 1 million, are trying to relocate to the southern Gaza Strip in response to Israeli calls for a complete evacuation.
In a significant diplomatic move, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared that France's relationship with a Palestinian state would be contingent on Hamas releasing hostages taken during their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that initiated the ongoing war. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN gathering. Barrot emphasized that this decision is a political demonstration of France's commitment to a two-state solution, noting that establishing diplomatic connections would be gradual and depend on various factors, including the release of hostages.
The Israeli military has also ordered the evacuation of the Jordanian field hospital located in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City, which currently houses around 300 patients along with medical staff and family members. As Israeli troops are reported to be advancing toward the facility, residents are facing life-threatening situations, with many families trapped in their homes and shelters.
The recognition of a Palestinian state is gaining momentum, with countries such as Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally acknowledging Palestine just days ago. This surge in recognition is part of a broader effort by France and Saudi Arabia to push for a two-state solution at the UN assembly amidst the escalating crisis in Gaza. However, these efforts are met with staunch resistance from the U.S. and Israel. The U.S. has even prevented Palestinian officials from attending the General Assembly, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened unilateral actions that may include the annexation of parts of the West Bank.
In a demonstration of solidarity, the Eiffel Tower in Paris illuminated both Palestinian and Israeli flags along with a dove bearing an olive branch, coinciding with France's upcoming recognition of a Palestinian state. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed the intention behind this lighting as an indication of Paris' dedication to peace and advocacy for a two-state solution. Additionally, several municipalities in France, including Saint-Denis, have raised Palestinian flags on town halls, despite government orders against such displays, signaling strong local solidarity with Gaza.
Italy has witnessed a surge of activism in response to the situation in Gaza, including a 24-hour general strike organized by grassroots unions aimed at protesting the Italian and EU governments' inaction regarding violence in Gaza. Furthermore, the Italian port of Ravenna halted the shipment of explosives to Israel following local administration's requests, reflecting growing concerns over arms supplies to the region amid ongoing conflict.
