As global leaders convened in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli forces continued their ground offensive in Gaza City, ordering the evacuation of a key hospital even as more countries moved to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Despite the ongoing conflict, which has left Gaza City devastated and famine-stricken, hundreds of thousands remain in the city. On Monday, Israeli forces ordered the Jordanian field hospital — a critical medical center — to evacuate, according to a Palestinian health official.
The military campaign, which began the previous Tuesday, is part of Israel’s stated mission to dismantle Hamas' military infrastructure. No end date has been provided, but signs point to a potentially months-long operation. Israel has called for a complete evacuation of Gaza City, and many residents have fled southward, though a significant population remains.
France Formally Recognizes Palestinian State
At the UN, French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s official recognition of a Palestinian state, drawing applause from over 140 world leaders. Macron cited France’s long-standing commitment to peace in the Middle East.
This move aligns with an increasing number of nations breaking with the U.S. and Israel’s stance. Until recently, most Western countries withheld recognition, insisting that statehood should be achieved through direct negotiations with Israel.
Jordan Relocates Field Hospital Due to Shelling
Jordan’s military announced it would move its field hospital from Tal al-Hawa in Gaza to Khan Yunis due to ongoing bombings that damaged the facility and endangered staff. The hospital, operational in its previous location for 16 years, had become isolated and nearly non-functional. Its relocation aims to serve a greater number of Gaza residents amid overwhelming demand for medical care.
Video of Israeli Hostage Shakes Family
The family of 24-year-old Israeli hostage Alon Ohel said they were deeply distressed after Hamas released a video of him looking frail and in pain. Ohel was kidnapped during Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the current war. Ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations have stalled since an Israeli airstrike targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar earlier this month.
UK Celebrates Recognition of Palestinian State
In London, about 400 people gathered at the Palestinian Mission to celebrate Britain’s recognition of a Palestinian state. Palestinian envoy Husam Zomlot thanked the British public, calling the move a historic gesture. He also urged further action, including sanctions on Israel and halting settlement expansion.
Nearly 300,000 Have Fled Gaza City Since August
A UN-trusted aid coalition, the Site Management Cluster, reported that nearly 300,000 people have moved south from Gaza City since mid-August. The figure is based on daytime counts at checkpoints and is likely a conservative estimate. Israel claims over 500,000 have fled, but many still remain amid worsening conditions and advancing troops.
Displaced Gazans React to Statehood Recognition
Reactions among displaced Palestinians were mixed. Some saw international recognition of a Palestinian state as a hopeful sign. “It’s a beginning,” said one displaced man. Another called it a positive gesture that boosts morale. However, others dismissed the impact amid the destruction, saying such recognition feels meaningless without concrete change.
Italy Sees Nationwide Strike in Support of Gaza
Across Italy, thousands of students and workers joined a 24-hour general strike to protest the crisis in Gaza. The strike disrupted transport and services in major cities like Rome and Milan. Over 20,000 demonstrators gathered in Rome, condemning Italy and the EU’s lack of action.
France Ties Diplomatic Ties to Hostage Release
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that while France will recognize a Palestinian state symbolically, the full establishment of diplomatic ties depends on the release of hostages held by Hamas and other groups. This adds a condition to Macron’s earlier declaration at the UN.
Israeli Forces Order Evacuation of Gaza Hospital
Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of the Jordanian hospital in Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighborhood. Dr. Muneer al-Boush of the Gaza Health Ministry said at least 300 patients, medical staff, and families are inside. Residents reported soldiers approaching the hospital as many remain trapped nearby.
More Countries Join in Recognizing Palestine
Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal joined nearly 150 other nations over the weekend in recognizing Palestine. France and Saudi Arabia are using the UN summit to push for renewed momentum toward a two-state solution. However, the U.S. and Israel remain opposed, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatening unilateral actions like annexing parts of the West Bank.
Paris Projects Israeli and Palestinian Flags
Ahead of France’s official recognition, Paris projected both the Palestinian and Israeli flags along with a dove of peace on the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing support for a two-state solution. The city's mayor emphasized solidarity with civilian victims on both sides.
French Towns Defy Government, Raise Palestinian Flags
In a move defying French government orders, several municipalities, including Saint-Denis and Nantes, raised Palestinian flags on public buildings. Local leaders said this was a gesture of solidarity amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Socialist leader Olivier Faure praised France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood as a key step toward peace.