Israel-Hamas War latest updates: Death toll exceeds 4,000, Iran issues warning, and Biden's crucial West Asia visit

US President Joe Biden is set to make an important visit to Israel amid rising concerns that the ongoing Israel-Hamas War could trigger a larger regional crisis.

The escalating war, so far, has claimed more than 4,000 lives, with besieged Gaza being the worst hit. As per reports, a catastrophic humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Palestinian enclave, which has already run out of basic supplies, and more than half of its population is displaced.

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Monday, said, "He’s coming here at a critical moment for Israel, for the region, and for the world."

ALSO READ:  Gaza in ruins, death toll soars after Israeli airstrikes, Biden warns Netanyahu

Diplomatic efforts

• President Joe Biden, scheduled to travel to West Asia, will visit Israel and Jordan to engage with both Israeli and Arab leaders.
• The visit is seen as a crucial diplomatic move to ease the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza amid Israel's preparations for a possible ground assault against Hamas.

• This visit will also convey unwavering US support for Israel, with the Biden administration having already pledged military assistance to Israel.

The conflict has led to truckloads of food, water, and medicine aid being stranded at Egypt's border with Gaza at Rahaf, with residents and humanitarian groups pleading for essential supplies.

ALSO READ: While Israel and Hamas fight it out, Egypt has closed its border crossing with Gaza

Hamas releases hostage video

• On Monday, Hamas released the first video showing an Israeli captive held in the Gaza Strip following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas War last week, as reported by India Today.
• The captive, who has a broken arm can be seen receiving medical treatment, in the video released by Hamas on the messaging app Telegram.
• Identifying herself as Mia Shem, a 21-year-old from Shoham, she assures viewers that she is receiving care and expresses her desire to return home as soon as possible.

ALSO READ: Hamas's attack on Israel isn't just about Palestine, they want a piece of Arab-Israeli normalisation too

Two-front war?

• According to the Associated Press, Israel is also preparing for the possibility of a new front opening on its northern border with Lebanon, where it has exchanged fire with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in the past few days.
• Israel has ordered the evacuation of 28 Israeli communities near the border, Reuters reported.

Iran warns

• Iran has also warned about possible "preemptive action" if Israel advances its ground offensive in Gaza.
• Iran's support for Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon raises concerns about a broader regional conflict.
• According to Al Jazeera, US officials have been monitoring the situation but have not observed direct Iranian involvement in the conflict to date.
• Biden's visit, however, is not without its complexities. His presence could be seen as provocative by Iran, Hamas' chief sponsor, and potentially insensitive to Arab nations as civilian casualties mount in Gaza.

ALSO READ: What is the Jerusalem Al Aqsa mosque controversy?

Dire humanitarian crisis

• Despite diplomatic efforts and attempts to facilitate humanitarian aid, the situation remains precarious, with Israel massing troops along Gaza's border.
• According to the Associated Press, more than a million Gazans have been displaced after the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) issued an ultimatum for them to move south.

ALSO READ: How bad is the situation in Gaza right now?

• In Gaza, power and clean water are scarce, and hospitals are running low on essential supplies. The only powerplant in the Gaza Strip shut down last week after Israel blocked supplies into Gaza.
• Doctors at the largest hospital in Gaza are facing significant challenges in providing care to patients due to the shortage of medical essentials, water and fuel.

ALSO READ: Why Hezbollah matters in the Israel-Hamas war

The ongoing Israel-Hamas War remains a highly volatile and rapidly changing situation, with diplomatic efforts at the forefront.

ALSO READ: How did Hamas come to power in Gaza? Who funds them?