Israel intensifies attacks on northern Gaza, kills 81 since dawn

Jordan slams Israel PM’s remarks on ‘Greater Israel’

Monitoring Desk
GAZA: At least 81 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn on Wednesday, with our team on the ground reporting the intensification of strikes on the northern parts of the enclave, particularly Beit Hanoon, Beit Lahiya, Jabalia al-Balad, and the Jabalia refugee camp.
Meanwhile, at least eight people, including three children, have starved to death in the territory in the past 24 hours, bringing the total count of hunger-related deaths to 235, including 106 children, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
The Israeli military said Wednesday it had approved the “framework” for a new offensive in the Gaza Strip, days after the security cabinet called for the seizure of Gaza City.
The country’s military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir “approved the main framework for the IDF´s operational plan in the Gaza Strip,” a statement released by the army said.
Furthermore, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry has issued a strong condemnation of recent remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his vision of a “Greater Israel,” Al Jazeera reported.
The ministry labelled the statements as a “dangerous and provocative escalation” that threatens regional stability and violates international law.
The term “Greater Israel” as referenced by Netanyahu, encompasses present-day Israel, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights.
Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah stated that Netanyahu’s comments are a reflection of the Israeli government’s “critical situation” and its growing international isolation amid its ongoing military actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Qudah called on the international community to take immediate action to halt all “provocative Israeli actions and statements” that pose a threat to international peace and security. The condemnation highlights the deepening rift between Israel and its neighbours, particularly Jordan, which has historically played a significant role in regional diplomacy.
Washington, Riyadh hold talks on Gaza: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza, according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Al Jazeera reported.
The two diplomats reviewed “the situation in Gaza, including efforts to expand the distribution of humanitarian assistance, free the hostages, and eliminate Hamas,” Bruce said.
They also discussed broader regional developments, including the situations in Lebanon and Syria. Rubio previously met Prince Faisal in Washington, DC, in April