Israeli air attacks continued to target the Gaza Strip Thursday and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defied a U.S. call to seek a de-escalation and work toward a cease fire.
At least 227 people in the territories have been killed in 11 days of violence. The dead include 64 children and 38 women. On the Israeli side, 12 people have been killed.
Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq is calling for an international investigation into Israel's attacks in Gaza, including on journalists and news media organizations. U.N. members must "condemn Israel," Al-Haq said.
Meanwhile, a special session of the U.N. General Assembly will be held Thursday to discuss the violence in Gaza. There have been earlier failed efforts by the council to agree to a statement calling for a cease fire as a result of U.S. opposition.
U.S. President Joe Biden talked with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and attempted to convince him to de-escalate attacks. During the call, Netanyahu said Israel was "determined" to continue its bombardment of Gaza until the country's "aim is met."
U.S. senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders condemned Netanyahu and Israel's continued attacks. He also condemned the actions of Hamas - calling the organization "corrupt" and "repressive."
"In more than a decade of his...rule in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has cultivated an increasingly intolerant and authoritarian type of racist nationalism," Sanders said in his Senate floor remarks.
Attempts by other nations to broker a cease fire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas government have so far failed. France said Thursday that it is working with Israel's neighbors - Egypt and Jordan - to find other possible solutions to reach an immediate cease fire.
Israel announced that it will be closing Gaza borders again Thursday, cutting off vital aid deliveries.
