(MENAFN- Daily News Egypt) Egypt has firmly defended its role in supporting Gaza, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khalaf dismissing what he called a“systematic campaign” to undermine Egypt's efforts. He described these claims as a“desperate attempt” to divert attention from Israel's ongoing violations in Palestinian territories. Khalaf called suggestions of Egyptian negligence“absurd and contrary to reality.”

In Gaza, the Health Ministry reported 64 deaths and 278 injuries in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll since the resumption of hostilities on March 8 to 10,842, with 45,910 people wounded. The overall toll since the war began on October 7, 2023, has risen to 62,686 dead and 157,951 injured. Additionally, the ministry reported that eight more people, including a child, died from starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the famine-related death toll to 289, including 115 children.

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing peace efforts by approving plans to occupy Gaza, even after the group accepted proposals from mediators. The movement labeled Netanyahu as“the real obstacle” to prisoner swaps and ceasefire deals, citing both Israeli and American officials who acknowledged this, including former U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who accused Netanyahu of stalling and imposing new conditions.

Gaza's government media office issued a stark warning, stating that any attempt to invade Gaza City, home to over 1.3 million residents-including half a million children-would constitute a“major war crime,” particularly in light of the collapse of Gaza's health system. The office called on the international community and the United Nations to act swiftly to halt Israeli actions and ensure the continuation of medical services.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that the army does not intend to attack Gaza City until all operational and legal preparations are in place and a humanitarian zone is established for civilians, acknowledging both domestic and international pressure regarding civilian safety.

Global condemnation of Israel's actions has escalated. Irish President Michael D. Higgins described the situation in Gaza as unfolding in a“range of unaccountability,” warning that the ongoing violence amounted to a“genocide” and was being used as a cover for long-standing political issues. He also cautioned against attempts to separate Gaza from the West Bank.

In Canada, International Development Minister Randeep Sarai accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law, asserting that Israeli military actions have turned famine into a“devastating reality” for Palestinians in Gaza and have obstructed aid deliveries.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protests have continued worldwide. In Australia, more than 40 rallies were held across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane in support of Palestinian statehood. In Austria, hundreds marched in Vienna, calling for sanctions on Israel and condemning the use of starvation as a weapon. In Paris, demonstrators gathered outside Notre Dame Cathedral, lying on the ground to represent Gaza's victims before chanting calls for the opening of crossings into Gaza.

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