Diplomats and European institution members have criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola for their perceived pro-Israel stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Critics argue they failed to adequately condemn Israeli bombings in Gaza and did not address the humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians. Both leaders visited Israel, met with Israeli officials, and expressed strong support for Israel's right to defend itself. The article highlights the broader political and humanitarian debate within the EU regarding the conflict.

Hundreds of thousands have fled to Khan Yunis, a major city in the southern Gaza Strip, following evacuations ordered by the Israeli army. The city is overwhelmed, lacking the capacity to accommodate the influx of families, with basic necessities such as water, electricity, and medicine in short supply due to an Israeli blockade. The Rafah crossing to Egypt has been bombed and closed, preventing both escape and the entry of humanitarian aid. The United Nations reported that local hospital fuel supplies were nearly depleted, and a Palestinian man recounted the dire conditions at a refugee center in Khan Yunis.

Countries are organizing repatriation flights for their citizens in Israel following attacks by Hamas, leading to chaotic evacuation efforts. Airlines like Delta, United, and Lufthansa have suspended flights, while governments arrange special flights. Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the U.S. have initiated repatriation operations, with challenges such as insurance issues causing cancellations. El Al operated flights during Shabbat for the first time since 1982 to accommodate Israeli reservists returning home.

The article outlines the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, beginning with the rise of Zionism in the 19th century and the subsequent Jewish immigration to Palestine. It covers key events such as the Balfour Declaration in 1917, the Holocaust, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, and subsequent wars including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Six-Day War in 1967, and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The article also discusses the Oslo Accords in 1993, the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, and the more recent conflicts including the Intifadas, the Gaza withdrawal in 2005, and the ongoing tensions leading to the latest escalation in October 2023 with a massacre of Israeli civilians by Hamas and a potential Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Documents found on the bodies of Hamas militants killed during the recent attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip reveal detailed planning targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. The documents, including maps and operational plans, indicate a long-term strategy by Hamas, with some plans dating back to June. The attack, which caught Israeli forces off guard, resulted in significant civilian casualties in several kibbutzim. Hamas's spokesperson confirmed the planning began in 2021, involving deception tactics to mislead Israeli intelligence. The Israeli military's delayed response has been acknowledged by its chief of staff.

Luca Zaia, the long-standing president of Veneto, is a prominent figure in regional and national politics, known for his significant electoral support and moderate stance on various issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and climate change. Despite his alignment with the Lega party, led by Matteo Salvini, Zaia often presents more progressive views, creating a complex political image. His future in politics is uncertain as he approaches the end of his third term, with potential roles in government or a possible fourth term dependent on legal changes. Zaia's pragmatic approach is evident in his handling of regional issues, balancing local administration with broader political aspirations.

Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus stated that the bombings conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces on the Gaza Strip target the underground tunnels used by Hamas for military operations. These tunnels, often built under civilian-populated areas, have been used for years by Hamas militants to organize attacks against Israel and to smuggle weapons and essential goods into the Strip. The network of tunnels expanded significantly after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, leading to a strict embargo by Israel and Egypt. Despite the construction of an underground wall by Israel, equipped with sensors and cameras, Hamas continues to use these tunnels, which are crucial for many Gaza residents to obtain necessities like food and medicine.

Gaza Strip has been completely isolated by an Israeli government-imposed 'total siege,' cutting off water, electricity, food, and fuel supplies. Thousands are displaced, with over 200,000 seeking refuge in UN buildings. The only power plant has stopped, leaving millions without electricity, affecting communication and hospital operations. Gaza's dense population of over two million, including 1.7 million Palestinian refugees, faces severe poverty, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare. The Israeli and Egyptian governments have imposed a strict embargo since 2007, severely affecting civilian life. Frequent blackouts, water scarcity, and food insecurity are chronic issues, exacerbated by recent bombings that have destroyed infrastructure and buildings, including the once-prosperous Rimal neighborhood.

Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas's armed wing, al Qassam, recently appeared in a video justifying a massive attack on Israel. Deif, who has survived multiple assassination attempts by Israeli intelligence, has been a key figure in Hamas's military operations since the 1980s. The article details his background, including his early life in Gaza, his rise within Hamas, and his role in various attacks against Israel. The video cites the long-standing embargo on Gaza, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and tensions over the al Aqsa mosque as motivations for the recent violence.

The Israeli government has imposed a total siege on the Gaza Strip in response to attacks by Hamas militants, cutting off water, electricity, food, and fuel supplies. This has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where 2.3 million people live. The siege follows a long-standing embargo imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007, which has severely impacted Gaza's economy and infrastructure. Recent Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 687 people and injured nearly 4,000, targeting civilian infrastructure. Hamas has threatened to kill hostages in response to bombings without prior warning. An Israeli ground invasion may be imminent, and civilians are being urged to evacuate, although options are limited due to the closure of the Rafah crossing by Egypt.