Israel Presses U.S. Over Sinai Buildup Amid Gaza War

Jordan’s King Abdullah II used his UN General Assembly speech to sharply condemn Israel’s conduct in Gaza, calling the war “one of the darkest moments” and citing Hamas-run health figures of more than 60,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised concerns with visiting U.S. officials about an alleged Egyptian military buildup in the Sinai — including extended runways and underground sites Israel says could violate the 1979 peace treaty — and Israeli and U.S. sources say Egypt has not given satisfactory explanations while Cairo denies the claims. Israel reported its Air Force struck roughly 100 targets in 24 hours against tunnels, depots and operatives and urged residents in northern Gaza to flee south; Hamas authorities reported dozens killed in recent strikes. Observers warned that a decline in multinational monitoring flights in Sinai has compounded regional tensions amid the Gaza war.