Israeli opposition willing to support Netanyahu with call to remove extremists from Govt

In the midst of heightened tensions following the surprise attack by Hamas, Yair Lapid, the former Prime Minister and current leader of the opposition in Israel, has expressed a willingness to join an emergency unity government, contingent upon the condition that certain right-wing members be removed from the current government.

The current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces several legal cases and has a narrow majority in the Israeli parliament (the Knesset), found himself under pressure despite assuming considerable support from right-wing extremists, prompting his government to seek support from Yair Lapid and for former Defense Minister Benny Gantz to also join the government.

Meanwhile, the US, which made itself available in providing military aid to Israel, expressed its disappointment with China's lack of sympathy or support for Israel, with Senate leader Chuck Schumer urging China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, to stand with the Israeli people amid the ongoing conflict.

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with the Ministry of Health reporting 413 casualties, including 78 children, and over 2,300 wounded. The humanitarian crisis deepens as more than 120,000 people in Gaza are displaced due to Israeli shelling.

Israel reports 2,382 wounded individuals, with 22 in critical condition and 345 seriously injured. The toll on both sides underscores the urgency of international intervention to address the escalating violence.

Global solidarity and protests emerge as people around the world rally in support of both Palestine and Israel. Demonstrations span across continents, from Spain, South Africa, and Syria to Chicago and New York US cities. Despite US President Joe Biden's expressed support for Israel, protests outside the White House in Washington DC reflect diverse opinions on the conflict.

In a troubling development, an "ongoing hostage situation" is reported in Israel's Kfar Aza, with an unnamed armed group from Gaza reportedly taking a family hostage. Israeli forces reveal that at least 20 areas in the border wall with Gaza have been breached, heightening security concerns.

Hungary evacuated 215 people from Israel, emphasizing international cooperation in crisis management. Meanwhile, the Israeli army acknowledges the extended duration of the battle with Hamas fighters at multiple points outside the Gaza Strip. The situation's complexity prompts a re-evaluation of the expected timeline to restore a defensive security posture.

Thailand faces its own tragedy, with 12 citizens killed, eight wounded, and 11 taken captive in Israel. The Thai Foreign Ministry is actively working to assist all Thai citizens affected by the conflict.

In Gaza, Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reports a "non-stop bombardment" of towns, particularly in Beit Hanoon. Israeli forces intensify airstrikes, raising concerns about a potential scorched earth policy facilitating a ground invasion. Palestinian groups respond with a barrage of rockets into southern Israel.

The United States announced increased military support for Israel, sending multiple ships and aircraft closer to the region. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reveals plans to provide additional military aid and munitions to Israel. In response, Hamas labels the US announcement as "aggression" against Palestinians, complicating the already tense diplomatic landscape.

As the crisis unfolds, the international community grapples with the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to mitigate the escalating violence and address the humanitarian crisis affecting both Israelis and Palestinians. The coming days are critical in determining the course of action and the potential for a resolution to this deeply entrenched conflict.