UN Security Council Unanimously Calls for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire
The 15-member U.N. Security Council announced in a press release on Friday that it's unanimously calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Over 130 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the Israeli offensive began on Tuesday.
According to the Associated Press, Israel has increased its air assault on the Gaza Strip's Hamas leaders and vowed to continue the offensive in order to restore peace to Israel. Hamas leaders have also promised to continue fighting, claiming on Friday that a "long battle" was ahead of them.
From the AP:
An Israeli official said the goal of the operation is to restore quiet to Israel for a continuous period. "This goal will be achieved whether it is done militarily or diplomatically. Israel will consider any suggestion that will bring the accomplishment of this goal," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.
The military said it has struck more than 1,100 targets, including Hamas rocket launchers, command centers and weapon manufacturing and storage facilities, in a bid to stop relentless rocket fire coming Gaza. Officials in the territory said that two women were killed in the attack on the disabled center.
The UN Security Council's measure is expected to be mirrored by British, American, French, and German foreign ministries after talks this Sunday, according to Britain's foreign minister, William Hague. Hague is a "close Israeli ally" and has reportedly spoken with his Israeli counterpart on the issue of de-escalating the current conflict.
According to the AP, this most recent Israeli offensive has been the most violent and ongoing since a similar operation in November 2012.
[Image via AP]