The Latest Developments from the Israel-Hamas War
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According to the latest figures released by the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, over 10,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,100 children and 2,640 women, have been killed since 7 October.
On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes hit two refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of many people, as reported by health officials. Despite US suggestions of a humanitarian pause, Israel has continued its bombardment of Gaza and the rising civilian deaths. In the occupied West Bank, settler violence and Israeli raids have led to the deaths of over 140 Palestinians. Additionally, in Israel, more than 1,400 people have been killed, mostly as a result of the 7 October attack by Hamas that initiated the conflict. The militant group has also taken 242 hostages from Israel to Gaza.
Since Wednesday, approximately 1,100 people have left the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing due to an apparent agreement among the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Monday an additional €25 million aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, increasing the EU’s total aid to 100 million euros. Von der Leyen also mentioned the establishment of a maritime corridor from Cyprus to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza. She emphasized that while Israel has the right to fight Hamas, it is crucial to avoid civilian casualties.
Israel has intensified its strikes on Gaza, bombarding the strip heavily on Monday as ground fighting continues. Hamas reported that overnight strikes have killed over 200 people. One resident of central Gaza, Mahmoud Mechmech, described the situation as “massacres,” stating that three houses were destroyed, resulting in the deaths of women and children.
Israel’s army has announced a call for Palestinian civilians to leave the northern Gaza Strip, as they are about to be “less limited” in their operations. They aim to dismantle Hamas strongholds and ultimately rid the entirety of Gaza of the militant group.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi accused the United States of encouraging Israel to commit cruel acts against the Palestinians. Raisi called for an immediate ceasefire and claimed that the bombings carried out by Israel are genocidal acts supported by the US and certain European countries.
Ahed Tamimi, a well-known Palestinian activist, was arrested by the Israeli army during a raid in the occupied West Bank. Tamimi, who gained global recognition after being filmed biting an Israeli soldier in defense of her brother, has become an icon for the Palestinian cause.
Israel’s Heritage Minister, Amichai Eliyahu, suggested dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip as one of Israel’s options. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disavowed his minister’s comment and suspended him from meetings. Eliyahu, a member of the far-right Jewish Power party, defended his statement, arguing that there is a price to be paid in war.
A joint plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza was issued by the heads of 11 UN agencies and six humanitarian organizations. They emphasized the need to protect civilians and facilitate the entry of essential supplies into the Strip. The UN and aid organization leaders expressed concern over the killings and the denial of basic necessities, such as food, water, medicine, electricity, and fuel to the besieged population of Gaza.
