For the first time since the conflict began, foreign passport holders were permitted to leave Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt. The crossing has been a point of contention between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas, with hundreds of people previously being denied exit. Egypt has agreed to accept more than 80 wounded Palestinians for medical treatment but is hesitant to allow an influx of refugees, fearing that Israel will not allow them to return after the war.
Paltel, the Palestinian telecoms company, reported a complete disruption of internet and mobile phone services. This blackout is the second to occur during the conflict and has troubling implications for first responders and civilians seeking safety. The Red Cross warns that the blackout inhibits the ability to call for ambulances or communicate in emergencies.
On Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes destroyed apartment buildings in a refugee camp near Gaza City, resulting in numerous casualties. The Israeli military claimed that the airstrikes targeted a militant command center and underground tunnel network, asserting that a senior Hamas military leader was also killed in the attack. However, the exact details of the incident remain unverified.
Israeli forces have been advancing towards Gaza City from the north and east, aiming to gain control over key infrastructure and roadways. The conflict has forced an estimated 800,000 Palestinians to flee south, while those remaining in the north face scarcity of essential resources. Israel’s restrictions on fuel imports have led to a territory-wide blackout, with hospitals warning that their emergency generators may soon fail, putting patients at risk.
Israel intends to incapacitate Hamas while affirming it does not plan to reoccupy Gaza. However, the future governance of the territory remains uncertain. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that the Palestinian Authority should assume responsibility for Gaza’s governance and security in the long term. Yet, returning to Gaza with Israeli assistance would further undermine the Palestinian Authority’s legitimacy.
The war’s toll on both sides has been devastating, with over 8,500 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis killed, most of whom are civilians. The conflict has also sparked tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, and Israel has taken action against Iranian targets in Syria. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen claim to have launched attacks against Israel, heightening concerns of further escalations.
Overall, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with limited access to essential services and a growing humanitarian crisis. The conflict’s impacts on civilians cannot be understated, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution and the restoration of peace in the region.
For more information on the Israel-Hamas war, visit AP’s comprehensive coverage: [https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war](https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war).
