The Gaza Strip between Israel and Palestine continued to exchange violent attacks such as rockets and air bombs on the 18th, while in the West Bank, Palestinians and Israeli security forces clashed, resulting in casualties. It has spread all over the country, and there is no prospect of calming the situation.
The exchange of violent attacks between Israel and the Gaza Strip continued on the 18th, and the Israeli army carried out violent air bombings on a tunnel allegedly built underground by the Islamic fundamentalist organization Hamas, which effectively controls the Gaza Strip.
On the other hand, the Hamas side attacked with mortars in addition to rockets, killing two Thais working on the Israeli farm that landed, and the death toll was 213 in the Gaza Strip and 12 on the Israeli side. Climbing to people.
Meanwhile, in areas such as the West Bank, large-scale strikes were held to close all universities, schools, shops and companies, indicating their intention to protest against Israel.
In addition, in cities such as Bethlehem and Ramallah in the West Bank, Palestinian and Israeli security forces have clashed violently, resulting in multiple casualties.
In the battle between Israel and Palestine, the United States and Egypt are proceeding with diplomatic activities to mediate the two sides toward a ceasefire, but the conflict is still widespread and the situation cannot be expected to subside.
EU Emergency Foreign Ministers' Meeting "Immediate ceasefire is a top priority"
Following the ongoing clash between Israel and Palestine, the EU-European Union held an urgent foreign ministers' meeting online on the 18th to discuss how to respond.
At a press conference after the meeting, EU High Representative Borrell said, "We condemn the attacks by Hamas and terrorist groups and fully support Israel's right to self-defense. He has stated that he should comply, "he said, condemning Hamas's attack and demanding restraint from Israel.
He also acknowledged that an effective ceasefire is essential, saying, "In order to protect the citizens of Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance, an immediate ceasefire is a top priority. Moreover, it is important not only to agree but also to comply." I emphasized.
He also said that the subsequent peace should be mediated within the framework of the United States, Russia, the EU, and the United Nations.
US spokesman emphasizes underwater diplomatic efforts
White House spokesman Saki said on the 18th that US President Benjamin Netanyahu said in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would "support the ceasefire". Or did he just express his general support for the ceasefire? "And only stated that he" expressed his support for the ceasefire. "
"President Biden has been involved in diplomacy for many years and knows that it is better not to discuss in public to end these conflicts," Saki said. He emphasized that he is continuing his diplomatic efforts under the surface.
The U.S. media has pointed out that President Biden only expressed his support for the ceasefire, but did not call for an immediate ceasefire. It is perceived as being highlighted again.