In recent times, the world has witnessed a deeply distressing crisis unfolding in Israel and Palestine. The conflict has left countless individuals shattered as they witness the immense devastation and loss of life. It’s heartbreaking to note that over 1,600 lives have been lost in the wake of an assault launched by the Hamas militant group on Israel from Gaza. This attack included the firing of thousands of rockets into Israeli towns and the infiltration of militants deep into Israeli territory, resulting in the tragic deaths of hundreds of people, both civilians and soldiers. Hostages were taken, some from their very homes.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, ?We are at war.? As of Monday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that hundreds, including dozens of children, had lost their lives, and the situation remains dire. The war began a day after the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships concluded. Israeli gymnast Artem Dolgopyat won a gold medal in the floor exercise finals. Just recently however, after Team USA returned home from the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Simone Biles‘ coach also weighed in and took a stand in the crisis.

Simone Biles coach, C?cile Landi, takes a stand

In a recent Instagram story, C?cile Landi, coach of Simone Biles, posted a picture of a blue and white badge that read, ?I stand with Israel.? Landi is not the only one who has done so and shown her support for the country. Gal Gadot, Madonna, Natalie Portman, Lena Headey, and many other celebrities have taken a stand for the country amidst the heart-breaking situation where even children, senior citizens, and thousands of innocents are being affected.

The United States’ President Joe Biden has also pledged unflinching support for Israel as its military pummels Gaza with bombardment in the wake of the war. In a White House speech on Tuesday, Biden said that Washington will provide additional military assistance to Israel, which has declared a war on Hamas.

The unsettling updates from the war zone

The conflict began at a music festival near the Gaza border called Supernova when militants launched a surprise attack on the innocent concertgoers. Distressingly, the militants took over 100 hostages, including children and senior citizens. Israel is now on a war footing and has initiated ?Operation Swords of Iron,? targeting suspected Hamas locations in Gaza.

The death toll continues to climb, with dozens of children among the casualties, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry has reported the loss of nearly 765 lives due to Israel’s retaliatory bombings, with 3,720 individuals wounded, including many young people.

Read more: Heartbroken Lindsey Vonn Moved to Prayer for Israel After Harrowing Turn of Events

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