Sunday, October 20

Israel conducted an airstrike on a large housing block in Gaza yesterday, killing at least 73 people in a massive explosion.

Israel struck a complex within the small town of Beit Lahia, which is located just two miles away from the border. Israel claimed that the area was connected to alleged terrorists from Hamas, sending in missiles that pulverized the entire block. At least 73 people were killed in the explosion, according to Gaza's civil defense agency. Dozens of people were injured, and many are still stuck under the ruins of the houses. Israel countered by stating on X that Gaza was exaggerating the situation, and their own assessment had confirmed that the damage and death toll was not as bad as officials in Gaza were portraying it to be.

This comes just after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was the mastermind behind the group's October 7 invasion of Israel. United States President Joe Biden stated that it could be the perfect time to strike a hostage deal to bring back the kidnapped Israelis while ending the war, benefitting both sides. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that they were working towards this idea, Israel's offensive has ramped up in recent days. Before the aforementioned strike, 33 people were also killed after airstrikes struck a refugee camp in the same region of northern Gaza, and the local medical center, the Indonesian Hospital, has also been struck by Israeli missiles and is constantly patrolled by a group of heavily armed soldiers-- no one can enter or exit the building. Biden later stated that while a ceasefire in Lebanon was being worked out, the situation in Gaza was more complicated, and would require further negotiations-- hinting that they are not exactly close to coming to an agreement on a ceasefire.

All of this has been taking place in the Jabalia region of northern Gaza, which has been blockaded off by Israel. Israel has deemed the area as an active war zone, reserving the right to block it off. However, Jabalia is also the location of several refugee camps, and the Palestinians sheltering there have been trapped inside the blockade. No one is allowed in or out, including aid-- but Israel claims that they have allowed a small amount of people from the area to evacuate. Due to this, while occasional aid enters Gaza from time to time, it does not reach Jabalia, where people have been without sufficient food and water for weeks. In addition, the steady stream of aid that was coming into Gaza is now trickling away-- the World Food Program stated on October 12 that no aid had entered the strip since the beginning of the month, and Israel is not contributing much to the amount of aid coming in.

In total, over 42,500 Palestinians have died as a result of the war, in addition to another 2,450 Lebanese citizens killed in Israel's ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Unfortunately, while there was a flicker of hope of a permanent ceasefire a few days ago, there doesn't seem to be any end in sight, as of right now.

Fact of the Day (Reader's Digest): Crabs have taste buds on their mouth, pincers, and even feet, allowing them to taste almost anything they come into contact with.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. (Max Lucado)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Appreciable (adj)- Appreciable describes things that can be perceived or measured.

In a Sentence: Researchers found that the temperature change made no appreciable difference in the chemical reaction.