Palestinian Death Toll Tops 66,000 as Netanyahu Prepares to Meet Trump
The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, just one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting is aimed at halting Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza City, which has been met with international pressure and calls for a peaceful resolution.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with medical staff struggling to provide aid to those affected. Dr. Paul Ransom of the British humanitarian medical NGO UK-Med, who was assisting local medical staff at a field hospital in Muwasi, near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, described the situation as "dire." According to Ransom, "The number of casualties is staggering, and our teams are doing everything they can to provide care and support to those affected."
Netanyahu's meeting with Trump comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to end its military campaign. World leaders have been urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has left thousands dead and injured. The US has been criticized for its perceived bias towards Israel in the conflict.
According to a statement from the White House, Trump is expected to discuss ways to "de-escalate" the situation with Netanyahu. However, details of their meeting remain scarce, and it remains unclear what specific actions the US will take to address the humanitarian crisis.
The death toll in the conflict has surpassed 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. This number is based on reports from medical staff and local authorities, who have been documenting casualties throughout the conflict.
In a separate incident, Israeli security forces shot dead an alleged attacker in a car-ramming incident in which a man was killed. The incident highlights the ongoing violence and tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with many calling for international intervention to address the situation. According to a statement from the United Nations, "The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, and it requires immediate attention and action."
As the death toll continues to rise, world leaders are urging Netanyahu to take steps towards a peaceful resolution. The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is seen as a critical moment in the conflict, with many hoping that the US will use its influence to pressure Israel to end its military campaign.
Background
The Israel-Hamas war has been ongoing for several months, with both sides trading blame for the violence. The conflict has left thousands dead and injured, with many more displaced. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with medical staff struggling to provide aid to those affected.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Paul Ransom of UK-Med described the situation as "dire." According to Ransom, "The number of casualties is staggering, and our teams are doing everything they can to provide care and support to those affected."
Next Steps
The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is expected to be a critical moment in the conflict. The US has been criticized for its perceived bias towards Israel in the conflict, and many are hoping that the US will use its influence to pressure Israel to end its military campaign.
As the death toll continues to rise, world leaders are urging Netanyahu to take steps towards a peaceful resolution. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with many calling for international intervention to address the situation.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics, NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.
