Egypt, Jordan, France urge pressure on Israel amid Gaza conflict

In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Palestinians conducted a general strike across East Jerusalem and the West Bank, closing shops and schools to protest against the violence in Gaza, which they describe as genocide. This strike was supported by various Palestinian political groups, including Fatah and Hamas, as a show of solidarity with those affected in Gaza. Meanwhile, Jordan condemned Israel’s bombing of a school sheltering civilians in Gaza, highlighting the deaths and injuries caused by such attacks, and called on the international community to pressure Israel to cease its military actions. King Abdullah II of Jordan also urged for an immediate halt to Israeli airstrikes and emphasized the need for humanitarian aid access. Reports indicate that over 50,600 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated in October 2023, leading to international scrutiny, including a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The situation remains dire as the call for peace and protection of civilians continues to resonate among regional leaders and citizens alike.