At least 18 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn, including 14 in Gaza City, medical sources told Al Jazeera. France and Saudi Arabia are set to host a summit at the UN in New York, bringing together dozens of world leaders to support a two-state solution. Several countries are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the event, a step likely to provoke strong reactions from Israel and the United States.
Over the past 24 hours, 61 Palestinians have died and 220 have been injured across the Gaza Strip, according to the Health Ministry. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations have claimed more than 65,000 lives and injured over 166,000 in Gaza.
18 Palestinians killed Today
Israeli air raids continue, with thick smoke rising over Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighborhood. The Israeli army has issued a forced evacuation order for a school in Gaza City housing displaced Palestinians. Palestine’s UN ambassador, Riyad Mansour, urged countries that have recognized Palestine to impose strict sanctions on Israel to curb its actions.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed that Germany will not recognize Palestinian statehood until a negotiated two-state solution is agreed upon. The France-Saudi Arabia-sponsored summit aims to revive this long-stalled solution, with France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino expected to formally recognize Palestine.
UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper stated that Israel must not expand annexation of the occupied West Bank as retaliation for recognizing Palestine statehood. Some Israeli ministers have threatened annexation in response to recognition moves by the UK, Canada, and Australia.
