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UN Says Israeli Demand for 1.1m Palestinians to Relocate is ‘Impossible’

In the midst of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the United Nations has deemed Israel‘s demand for 1.1 million Palestinians to relocate within 24 hours as ‘impossible’. The Israeli military has been urging residents of Gaza City to evacuate southwards as they continue their aerial bombardment of the area. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared that “now is a time for war”, further escalating the tensions between the two sides.

Mourning and Solidarity in Australia

In Melbourne, thousands have gathered for a vigil in solidarity with Israel following the recent attacks by Hamas. Australia has a significant Jewish community, including many Holocaust survivors, and the country’s politicians have expressed their support for Israel. Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, the son of a Holocaust survivor, emphasized that there was no excuse for the atrocities committed by Hamas. However, there is also concern for the Palestinians trapped in Gaza, with the Israeli blockade denying them access to food, fuel, and water.

UNRWA Relocates Operations in Gaza

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which works with Palestinian refugees, has announced that it is relocating its operations to the south of Gaza. This decision comes after Israel‘s warning to residents of Gaza City to evacuate. UNRWA has urged Israeli authorities to protect civilians in UNRWA shelters, emphasizing that they are UN facilities and must be safeguarded at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Hamas Claims Israeli Strikes Killed 13 Hostages

Hamas has claimed that Israeli bombing in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of 13 hostages, including foreigners. The militant group stated that the killings occurred over the past 24 hours in various locations. This information has not yet been confirmed by Israel. The escalating violence is causing greater concern for the safety and wellbeing of both Palestinians and Israelis caught in the crossfire.

The Impact on Gaza’s Population

The Israeli military has directed Gazans to evacuate, but Hamas has urged Palestinians to stay in their homes, refusing to comply with Israeli demands to flee the area. The Gaza Strip is home to around 2.3 million people, who are now caught in the middle of the conflict. With Israel blockading the territory and denying access to vital resources, the situation for the population is dire. The United Nations has called for Israel to rescind the evacuation order, warning of devastating humanitarian consequences if it is carried out.

Talking to Children about the Conflict

As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict unfolds, parents in Australia are grappling with how to explain the situation to their children. Experts advise checking in with children, regulating their exposure to distressing media, and maintaining calm and age-appropriate communication. Focusing on compassion and the stories of people helping can help children understand the complexities of the conflict and foster empathy. It is also important for parents to take care of themselves as they navigate discussing difficult topics with their children.

Overall, the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains volatile, with both sides refusing to back down. The international community, including the United Nations, continues to call for a de-escalation of violence and a return to negotiations in an effort to find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.