Overview
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul apologized for suggesting Israel is justified in destroying Gaza in retaliation for a Hamas attack, calling it a 'poor choice of words'.
- Hochul's comments, made at a Jewish philanthropy event, sparked widespread criticism and were deemed an 'inappropriate analogy'.
- The governor reiterated her support for Israel's right to self-defense but stressed the importance of avoiding Palestinian civilian casualties and providing more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 28,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and a spiraling humanitarian crisis, with Israel preparing for a potential ground invasion.
- International leaders, including the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, have expressed concern over the potential for a 'slaughter in Gaza' and the dire humanitarian situation.