Israeli Attacks on Gaza: Death Toll Rises to 227

Palestinian Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 227 people including 64 children and 38 women were killed, and 1620 were wounded, as a result of the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. 

 

Last Monday, Israeli police forces injured hundreds of Palestinians as they violently cracked down on worshippers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

 

Violence erupted last Friday at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque amid growing anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Israeli settlers. The clashes escalated on Monday.

 

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu by Phone.

 

During the phone call, Biden voiced his support for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine discussed U.S. engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end, the White House said in a statement.

Moreover, the US president raised concerns about the safety and security of journalists and reinforced the need to ensure their protection.

 

Earlier on Monday Biden told reporters at the White House that he would be speaking with the Israeli prime minister in an hour and would be able to answer them after that.

 

The president was asked whether he would join other international calls for a ceasefire in Israel.

 

Meantime, the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki affirmed that the President and his team are engaging in diplomatic negotiations to try to reduce the violence in Gaza.

 

“There needs to be a two-state solution over time,” Psaki said. “It is going to require both parties wanting to engage in that.”

 

Asked why the US is not joining other nations in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Psaki replied the administration is engaging in “quiet, intensive diplomacy” to bring an end to the violence.