Foreign ministers of the Arab League member-states discuss Israeli airstrikes

Foreign ministers of the Arab League member-states discussed the ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in an emergency meeting held in Egypt’s capital Cairo on Wednesday.

Arab League Secretary-General expresses solidarity with Palestinians

“We show our solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza because they face a massacre that must be stopped and condemned immediately,” Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said in his opening speech.

Meeting called by Palestinian Authority to discuss Israeli bombardment

The meeting was held after a request by the Palestinian Authority to discuss Arab efforts to halt the Israeli bombardment.

Israeli forces respond to Hamas military offensive

Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

Conflict initiated by Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel – a multipronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air.

Hamas said it was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

Israeli military launches Operation Swords of Iron

The Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip in response.

Living conditions worsen in Gaza due to water and electricity cuts

That response was extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

High death toll in the ongoing violence

More than 2,300 people have been killed in the current bout of violence, including at least 1,100 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis.