Israel-Hamas War Rages As Crisis Deepens In Gaza

GAZA – UN experts warned Gaza is being “Strangled” by Israel’s weeklong siege and aerial bombardment as concerns grow that further escalation and a lack of safety for fleeing civilians risks drawing regional foes into the long-running conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was back in Israel on Monday as diplomatic efforts to address the crisis – including pressure to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza via Egypt – are intensifying across the region.

Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the enclave, in response to the October 7 terrorist attacks that killed 1,400 people. Israel also said Monday at least 199 people are being held hostage in Gaza.