November 7: Today’s news on Palestine & Israel – Day 32

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November 7: Today’s news on Palestine & Israel – Day 32
Israel's attack on Gaza has left neighborhoods decimated, children homeless. (photo)

Latest Palestinian and Israeli casualty figures, humanitarian catastrophe, situation on the ground, West Bank news, Israel news.

Find previous daily casualty figures and daily news updates here. For more news, go here and here. Live broadcast news from the region is here.

Some people are led to be skeptical of the Al Jazeera news network. However, the network has won several Emmys, a Peabody and the Overseas Press Association’s Edward R. Murrow award, among many other honors. The New York Times reports that “its reporting hews to international journalistic standards and provides a unique view on events in the Middle East.” it’s important to remember that all news sources may potentially have bias. For example, CNN uses anchors who used to work for the Israel Lobby, who have lifelong attachment to Israel, and who often exhibit pro-Israel spin and omission in their broadcasts. Similarly, Fox News is strongly influenced by Rupert Murdoch, who has a strong attachment to Israel, and who may have fired Tucker Carlson, the network’s most popular host, in part due to the host’s opposition to war and his pattern of failing to exhibit sufficient devotion to Israel).

Latest statistics:

Palestinian death toll: 10,021* (9,857 in Gaza** (including at least 4,104 children and 2,550 women), and at least 164 in the West Bank). *NOTE: The official UN death toll includes 471 Gazans killed in the Al Ahli hospital blast. IAK does not yet include those deaths since the source of the projectile is being disputed; although much evidence points to Israel as the culprit, experts are still looking into the incident. Israel is blocking an international investigation.

Palestinian injuries: 27,748** (including at least 25,408 in Gaza** and 2,340 in the West Bank). **NOTE: it is impossible to offer an accurate number of injuries in Gaza due to the ongoing bombardment and communication disruption. The Associated Press has reported ~32,000 in Gaza, while the UN number is 25,408. Our total for Gaza and the West Bank is based on the conservative figure.

It remains unknown how many Americans are among the casualties. About 1.5 million people have been displaced; 2,260 are missing (1,270 children) and presumed to be under rubble.

Israeli death toll continues to be reported as ~1,400*** (3 killed in West Bank, 31 in Gaza), including 32 Americans, and ~5,400 injured).

***NOTE: It is unknown at this time how many of the deaths and injuries in Israel may have been caused by Israeli soldiers; additionally, since Israel has a policy of universal conscription, it is unknown how many of those attending the outdoor rave a few miles from Gaza on stolen Palestinian land were Israeli soldiers.

Hover over each bar for exact numbers.
Source: IsraelPalestineTimeline.org
 

Israeli doctors urge the bombing of Gaza hospitals: Mondoweiss reports:

Israeli doctors have signed a letter calling for the bombing of hospitals in Gaza.

Only last week, dozens of prominent Israeli rabbis had already assured Israeli leaders that they have a right to bomb al-Shifa’ hospital in Gaza, and this week’s letter signed by “Doctors for the Rights of IDF Soldiers” urges the bombing of any and every hospital in Gaza.

The letter states, in no uncertain terms, that due to suspicion of “terrorist activity,” the hospitals are “a legitimate target for annihilation.”

Find the English translation of the open letter here.

U.N. agency: 70% of people in Gaza are displaced, many in “inhumane” conditions.

Arab Americans angry at Biden: Many Palestinian, Arab and Muslim Americans have expressed frustration over the Biden administration’s “unwavering” support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Biden and his top aides have responded with an outreach effort over the last two weeks, including the announcement of a first-ever national strategy to combat Islamophobia, and a shift toward calling for “humanitarian pauses” in Israel’s bombardment.

But Palestinian rights advocates say that the Biden administration’s charm offensive is falling short.

U.S. diplomats slam Biden’s Israel policy in leaked memo: Politico reports,

The memo has two key requests: that the U.S. support a ceasefire, and that it balance its private and public messaging toward Israel, including airing criticisms of Israeli military tactics and treatment of Palestinians that the U.S. generally prefers to keep private.

The gap between America’s private and public messaging “contributes to regional public perceptions that the United States is a biased and dishonest actor, which at best does not advance, and at worst harms, U.S. interests worldwide,” the document states.

“We must publicly criticize Israel’s violations of international norms such as failure to limit offensive operations to legitimate military targets,” the message also states.

Evacuation update: The Israeli military said a four-hour evacuation window for the remaining civilians in the north (estimates on Saturday put their number between 350,000 and 400,000) would be repeated daily. Gazans have been instructed to proceed to the main road to travel south, but since roads leading to the main crossing junction are heavily damaged, it is only reachable by foot. UN monitoring showed about 5,000 people used the corridor on Monday, citing fear and road damage.

Humanitarian aid: On 6 November, 93 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies crossed from Egypt into Gaza. Since 21 October, at least 569 trucks have entered Gaza. The average number of trucks allowed into Gaza prior to the hostilities was at least 500 per day. The entry of fuel, which is desperately needed to operate life-saving equipment, remains banned by the Israeli authorities. (11:15 GMT)

“Fuel means life now,” one spokesperson said. “We are hours from a complete shutdown of all hospitals.”

Worsening humanitarian crisis: New acronym in Gaza: WCNSF – Wounded Child No Surviving Family. With the majority of those killed or injured in Gaza children, Save the Children has warned that should the bombing continue, irreparable damage will have been done to survivors who have no family to care for them or safe place to hide.

Gaza residents have reported Israel’s use of unfamiliar incendiary weapons over homes and properties in Gaza City’s Al-Shati refugee camp. Several doctors working at hospitals across the besieged Gaza Strip have previously reported receiving cases of severe third or fourth-degree burns, which they described as ‘unusual’, among civilians affected by Israeli attacks.

No aid has been allowed to enter the northern part of the Strip, while only a limited amount has reached the south. (10:35 GMT)

The UN’s health agency says some doctors in Gaza are performing operations, including amputations, without anesthetic. Calling for a lifting of restrictions on medical aid, the World Health Organization also said more than 160 healthcare workers “have died on duty while taking care of those injured and diseased.” (10:55 GMT)

One journalist in Gaza reports,

It’s a major war on hospitals and all health facilities. The main roads leading to the al-Shifa Hospital have been bombed. Within the last hour, the al-Rantisi specialised hospital for children with cancer was warned sharply by the Israeli army to evacuate immediately, which is very difficult at this time with 1,000 people there.

“Leave right now” was the message. Despite the continuous terror and trauma caused by air strikes, Israel continues to attack Gaza everywhere.

Overcrowding has become a major concern. More than 557,000 people are sheltering in 92 UNRWA facilities in the south, and shelters are unable to accommodate new arrivals. The Khan Younis Training Centre, the most overcrowded UNRWA shelter, hosts more than 22,000 IDPs: the space per person is less than two square metres, while at least 600 people are sharing one toilet.

Thousands of cases of acute respiratory infections, diarrhea and chicken pox have been reported among people taking refuge at UNRWA shelters.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday, “Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children. Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed or injured every day.” He reiterated his demands for a ceasefire. AIPAC and other lobby groups oppose a ceasefire.

Israel’s actions in Gaza have been termed by the UN agency for Palestine refugees as “forced displacement and humanitarian tragedy of colossal proportions.”

No more bread: Gaza’s Interior Ministry announced that all bakeries in the Gaza City and North Gaza governorates have stopped operating due to systematic targeting and the lack of fuel and flour. Late last month, Oxfam accused Israel of using starvation “as a weapon of war” after cutting off supplies of food, water, electricity and fuel to the territory. (11:51 GMT)

On the ground in Gaza: Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in northern Gaza reportedly intensified on 6 November. The Israeli military claimed it has fully encircled Gaza city and has been reportedly advancing into the city from the south. Intense bombardments from the air, sea and land continued across the Gaza Strip.

Another telecommunication cut off was noticed across the Gaza Strip overnight (5 to 6 November), severely impeding the ability of ambulances and rescuers to reach those injured or trapped under collapsed buildings.

Pending US legislation, if passed, would ]give Israel $18 billion in aid this year.

Journalists killed: Palestine’s news agency Wafa has said that Muhammad Abu Hasira, a journalist, was killed along with 42 family members, including his sons and brothers, after Israel bombed their homes in Gaza City. Another journalist, Muhammad Hamouda, was wounded a few days ago alongside his wife, who lost her left eye, and 22-year-old son, Ahmed, whose leg had to be amputated.

As of Monday, the US-based watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said at least 37 journalists and media workers had been killed and eight injured since the start of the conflict. (09:35 GMT)

West Bank deaths: In the last 24 hours, 8 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank. Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 163 Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem since October 7. About 55% of the fatalities occurred during Israeli search-and-arrest operations; 30% were in the context of demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza; 8% were killed in Israeli settler attacks; the remaining 7% were while attacking or allegedly attacking Israeli forces or settlers.

Total Palestinian deaths in the West Bank in 2023 is about 400.

Israel’s postwar plans: Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant declared that at the end of the war, the Israeli army will have “absolute freedom” of action in Gaza without limitations on operations. Hamas would not exist as a “military and ruling organization in Gaza”, adding that “there won’t be a security threat to Israel” from the Strip. His comments come after Netanyahu said in an interview with ABC News on Monday that Israel would take responsibility for security in Gaza for an “indefinite period.” (10:00 GMT)

West Bank settlers arming: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said,

Tens of thousands of conditional permits and actual licenses for personal weapons were given to eligible citizens. We have opened hundreds of new standby classes across the country. We have made dozens of simplifications and changes in the tests. Due to a large load, I call on everyone – be patient. Check your eligibility and go arm yourself.

Last month, Ben-Gvir said 4,000 Israeli-made assault rifles would be given out in a first round of distribution to “volunteer teams” in the occupied territories and towns with mixed population. Another 6,000 such weapons will follow. Fears have been raised that the move could fuel illegal settler violence, which has already increased significantly since the October 7 Hamas attack. (08:40 GMT)

Israeli police officer killed: On Monday morning, a 20-year-old female police officer was allegedly stabbed to death by a 16-year-old Palestinian boy. Israeli soldiers shot and killed him. The police officer had moved in 2021 from her home in Atlanta, GA to a religious kibbutz in Israel, Sa’ad, built on stolen Palestinian land.

Israel’s nuclear “secret”: Russia’s Foreign Ministry says a Israeli junior minister’s comment that dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was “one of the possibilities,” indicates that Israel has admitted to having nuclear warheads. If so, he said, the UN’s nuclear watchdog and international inspectors should be on the ground. Israel does not publicly acknowledge it has nuclear weapons though the Federation of American Scientists estimates Israel has about 90 nuclear warheads. (08:05 GMT)

Israelis feeling misunderstood: CNN reports

As global leaders continue to pile pressure on Israel over the mounting civilian death toll from its bombardment of Gaza and huge crowds gather for pro-Palestinian protests in cities like London, Washington DC, Berlin, Paris, Amman and Cairo – almost all in support of civilians in Gaza, rather than Hamas – many Israelis are getting frustrated with what they see as unequal treatment.

“The world loves us as victims. I’m sorry to say that, but yes, they love Israel, they sympathize with the Jews when we are victims, when they kill us. But when we do things to protect ourselves? No,” Sigal Itzahak told CNN.

“I think any country in the world that would find itself in our situation would probably do much, much more and no one would say anything. It’s just the Jews. Because the Jews are not entitled to live in a country in peace. That’s what we want. And I’m sorry, but no one understands it,” Itzahak said.

The firing of rockets by Palestinian armed groups towards Israeli population centers has continued over the past 24 hours, resulting in no reported fatalities. (Information on rocket attacks is here.)

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