The war rages on. The United States ruling class is taking some heat from other rulers and has been widely criticized for vetoing a United Nations resolution that was calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. China said the veto ”sends the wrong message,” while France and Qatar voiced their regret over the veto.

Leading aid groups also expressed their discontent. Meanwhile, the rulers in Washington had circulated a rival draft resolution calling for a temporary pause in fighting.

According to a report by CBSNews, White House Middle East envoy Brett McGurk is traveling to Cairo today to continue discussions on a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas and a temporary cease-fire. A Hamas delegation has also been in Egypt, as talks continue after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas’ proposed deal as ”delusional.” The U.S. has said it hopes for a cease-fire by next month when Israel has vowed to begin an assault on the overcrowded city of Rafah unless a deal is reached.

Israel Strikes Rafah; A Safe Haven For Palestinian Civilians

War-displaced Palestinians have flocked to Rafah to escape the fighting in Gaza.

More than 29,300 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. More than 69,300 have been injured, and thousands more are missing and presumed dead.

Israeli military officials said at least 237 soldiers have been killed since the ground invasion of Gaza began. –CBSNews

Additionally, the U.N.’s World Food Program is pausing the delivery of food to northern Gaza until conditions are safe, saying its drivers were shot at and faced looting and beating during the ongoing conflict. The agency said this decision would add to the ”unprecedented desperation” in Gaza after earlier warnings that the enclave is at risk of running low on food. UNICEF warned yesterday that Gaza faced an ”explosion” in child deaths due to malnutrition and illness.