Tuesday, July 22

28 nations have signed a statement calling for the immediate end to Israel's war in Gaza as deaths at aid sites continue to increase.

The referendum was signed by Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and states that an immediate end to the war in Gaza is crucial to prevent additional loss of life. The statement also says the execution of aid delivery under the Israeli government has been done in an extremely dangerous, inhumane way, leading to the deaths, and that Israel's restrictions on aid flow have resulted in an even larger humanitarian crisis.

The statement comes as more and more people die each day at aid distribution centers in Gaza-- at least 100 people were killed by gunfire at aid sites this past weekend alone. Using the aid provided by the United Nations and other countries, Israel has set up several aid centers across Gaza to hand out food and water to Palestinian citizens, who have struggled with supply shortages since the war began.

However, these aid distribution centers have proved to be a deadly site for Gazans, with crowds facing rounds of Israeli gunfire almost every day. Israel claims that their troops fire "warning shots" to disperse the crowds or deter Palestinians who try to approach the site before it opens, but the UN has reported that at least 875 people have been killed while trying to get food over the past eight weeks.

Additionally, tens of thousands of people are currently suffering from malnutrition, with dozens dying every day from hunger and thirst. Hospitals do not have food, water, or other crucial supplies either, and markets have shut down due to extreme shortages. Meanwhile, locals cannot purchase food due to skyrocketing prices, forcing them to take their chances at an aid site.

Nevertheless, Israel has denied all of these claims and dismissed the recent statement. They claim that the death count has been exaggerated by Hamas in order to increase pressure on Israel, and have blamed the organization for refusing to commit to a ceasefire deal. Also, Israel has maintained that they are conducting all of their operations in accordance with international laws, and have not taken any action that could be considered inhumane or dangerous for Palestinians.

Despite arguments from both sides, the death toll from the conflict continues to rise-- over 59,000 people have been killed since the war began on October 7, 2023, and there does not seem to be any end in sight.

Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): If you translate “Jesus” from Hebrew to English, the correct translation is “Joshua.” The name “Jesus” comes from translating the name from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Perhaps tomorrow, if not today. (Michele Jennae)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Hubris (noun, HYOO-bris) - Hubris is a formal and literary word that refers to a great or foolish amount of pride or confidence.

In a Sentence: The project's failure was predictable, given the inexperience and unbridled hubris of those leading the effort.