NATO countries on Thursday told Israel's defense minister they stood by his country after the attack by Hamas, but urged his forces to respond with "proportionality", the alliance said.
Their statement came after 1,354 Palestinians were reported to have been killed and 6,409 wounded in Israeli air strikes since Saturday, the Gaza health ministry said, AFP reported.
NATO countries "called for Hamas to immediately release all hostages, and for the fullest possible protection of civilians. Allies also made clear that no nation or organization should seek to take advantage of the situation or to escalate it."
Meanwhile, Palestinians lined up outside bakeries and grocery stores in Gaza on Thursday after spending the night surrounded by the ruins of pulverised neighbourhoods darkened by a near-total power outage.
Israel launched new air strikes and said it was preparing for a possible ground invasion.
Gazans fleeing airstrikes could be seen running through the streets, carrying their belongings and looking for a safe place. Tens of thousands have crowded into UN-run schools while others are staying with relatives or even strangers who let them in.
Lines formed outside bakeries and grocery stores during the few hours they dared open, as people tried to stock on food before shelves are emptied. On Wednesday, Gaza’s only power station ran out of fuel and shut down, leaving only lights powered by scattered private generators.
A senior official with the International Committee of the Red Cross warned that lack of electricity could cripple hospitals.
“As Gaza loses power, hospitals lose power, putting newborns in incubators and elderly patients on oxygen at risk. Kidney dialysis stops, and X-rays can’t be taken,” said Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC’s regional director. “Without electricity, hospitals risk turning into morgues.”
