The Arab League is set to hold an emergency meeting this Wednesday to address Israel’s ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip, as reported by a Palestinian diplomat.
“The meeting will discuss Israel’s continued genocidal war, the discovery of mass graves in Gaza and a US veto against a Palestinian application for full UN membership,” stated Muhannad Al-Aklouk, the Palestinian delegate to the Arab League.
Gaza’s Civil Defence Agency has confirmed the discovery of at least 283 bodies in a mass grave at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, following the Israeli army’s withdrawal from the area after a 4-month ground offensive.
In a recent move, the U.S. blocked a draft resolution in the UN Security Council that sought to grant Palestine full membership in the United Nations. The emergency meeting was called by Palestine to address the escalating Israeli attacks not only in Gaza but also in the occupied West Bank.
Israel initiated its aggressive military operation in the Palestinian Territory following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people.
Contrary to Israel’s claims, Haaretz has disclosed that Israeli helicopters and tanks were responsible for many of the 1,139 casualties, initially attributed to actions by Hamas.
As a result of the conflict, an estimated 34,200 Palestinians have lost their lives, with over 77,000 sustaining injuries. This devastating toll has been compounded by widespread destruction and critical shortages of essential supplies.
The Israeli military offensive, now in its 200th day, has forced 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement. The region is grappling with severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Furthermore, 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure has suffered damage or been destroyed, as reported by the UN.
Facing accusations of genocide, Israel is currently under scrutiny at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In January, the ICJ issued an interim ruling demanding Israel cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population.