US says supports humanitarian pause in Gaza, votes no at UNGA session
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US hypocrisy is embodied in the WHite House spokesperson's statement, which contradicted their "no" vote at the UNGA.
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National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (AP)
The White House Spokesperson, John Kirby, stated on Friday that the United States supports a humanitarian pause in Gaza to get humanitarian aid in to civilians.
"That includes pushing for fuel to get in and for the restoration of electrical power," he said, adding that they were critical for medical care, water purification, and "so many other needs."
Kirby also said that "a localized temporary pause" could be necessary to get the captives out, adding that ten additional aid trucks have entered Gaza amid the Israeli aggression on Gaza, but more fuel is required.
On another note, he confirmed reports about "Israel expanding its ground operations in Gaza" but did not comment on the matter. "We have, of course, certainly seen Israel undertake various operations on the ground in the last couple of days," Kirby said. "But again, we're not going to get into the habit of chiming in from the sidelines here."
That said, the spokesperson made it clear that the United States drew no red lines for "Israel".
UNGA adopts Jordan's resolution
On another note, the United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly called for an immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza and demanded aid access to the besieged Gaza Strip and the protection of civilians.
However, it is worth stressing that the resolution drafted by Arab states is not binding but carries political weight.
It passed to a round of applause with 120 votes in favor, while 45 abstained and 14 - including "Israel" and the United States - voted no. It is worth highlighting that the General Assembly voted after the Security Council failed four times in the past two weeks to take action.
No fuel for Gaza
The urgency of fuel was re-highlighted two days ago when the United Nations Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN Relief and Works Agency was expected to end all humanitarian operations in Gaza on Wednesday night if the Israeli occupation continued to prevent fuel deliveries from entering the blockaded Strip.
"The UN Relief and Works Agency, by far the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza, warned that unless fuel is allowed in Gaza immediately, UNRWA will be forced to halt operations tonight," Dujarric told reporters on Wednesday.
As Israelis continue to push for ethnic cleansing and genocide, Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, stated that no fuel shipments would be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip.
"Fuel won't enter Gaza as Hamas uses it for its operational needs. Hamas can return the fuel it stole from UNRWA to hospitals," Hagari was quoted as claiming by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Complete internet outage in Gaza
This comes after Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Gaza witnessed the most violent strikes on Gaza since October 7, confirming that attacks are being carried out through air, land, and sea. Our correspondent noted that Central Gaza is being targeted as well after attacks in the previous days were concentrated north of the Strip.
This comes as the healthcare system in Gaza continues to witness increasing deterioration as the Israeli blockade enters its 20th day. The Palestinian Health Ministry stated that 104 healthcare workers have been martyred so far, 25 ambulances were destroyed, and 57 health facilities have gone out of service.
Hospitals and primary care centers have also been taken out of service, either through direct targeting or by blocking the entry of vital supplies, including fuel.
The Israeli aggression extends beyond targeting individuals and healthcare facilities.
To add to the horrors in Gaza caused by the ongoing Israeli violent aggression, massive regions in the Strip suffered from complete internet outage, while its largest communications service provider announced that it had shut down all operations across Gaza after Israeli war jets destroyed the company's remaining infrastructure.
