Washington: The United States has deployed B-52 bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base to the Middle East, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). These reinforcements arrive as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. The bombers, alongside additional ballistic missile defense systems, fighter squadrons, and tanker aircraft, are now stationed within CENTCOM’s designated area, which largely covers the Middle East.
Last week, the Pentagon confirmed these deployments, aiming to bolster security and deterrence in light of the growing crisis. The addition of the B-52 bombers demonstrates a heightened level of readiness as regional stability continues to deteriorate.
Mothers in Gaza Voice Fears Amid Polio Vaccination Campaign
While the US boosts its military presence, Palestinian mothers in Gaza City shared their struggles amidst bombings and ongoing blockades. Al Jazeera reported that many mothers, like Azhar al-Najja, are bringing their children for delayed polio vaccinations. However, these mothers remain deeply concerned about the safety of their families.
Al-Najja, a mother of three, voiced her fears: “I stayed here in northern Gaza along with all my children, and came here to give my children the polio vaccine.” She explained that due to the offensive and siege conditions, the vaccine was delayed by a month. Her plea to the international community was clear and urgent: “I call on the world to stop the genocide of northern Gaza. Those who do not die from bombardments are dying from hunger. The situation is catastrophic.”
Gaza Faces Fifth Week of Siege Amid Catastrophic Conditions
Israel has subjected northern Gaza to a prolonged siege that has now entered its fifth week. Towns such as Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoon remain cut off from essential supplies, leaving residents without access to food, water, or medical care. Humanitarian organizations report increasingly dire conditions, with rising death tolls due to lack of basic resources and constant bombardment.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed outrage over the mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, especially among children. Recent Israeli attacks in Jabalia reportedly killed over 50 children in just two days. Strikes also hit a polio vaccination clinic and damaged a UNICEF staff member’s vehicle, underscoring the dangers faced by civilians and aid workers alike.
Russell described the situation as a “dark chapter” in the war, adding, “Attacks on civilians, including humanitarian workers, and what remains of Gaza’s civilian facilities and infrastructure must stop. The entire Palestinian population in North Gaza, especially children, is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine, and the ongoing bombardments.”
Calls for Accountability and an End to the Conflict
Russell demanded an immediate investigation by Israel into the attack on UNICEF staff and called on UN member states to leverage their influence to enforce respect for international law in Gaza. Emphasizing the urgency, she concluded, “It is beyond time to end this war.”
The deployment of US reinforcements and continued appeals from humanitarian leaders reflect the escalating crisis in Gaza and the increasing calls for international intervention to protect civilians, particularly children, amid the intensifying conflict.
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