Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip conducted overnight claimed the lives of a minimum of 20 individuals, according to Palestinian health officials on Monday. One particular airstrike took the lives of eight people, of which two were children, in a tent camp located in the Muwasi area. Although Israel previously identified this zone as a humanitarian safe area, it has continually targeted it. The fatalities were reported by Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which received the deceased. The Israeli Defense Forces maintain that their operations are focused solely on militants, alleging that these individuals operate amongst civilians. On Sunday evening, they confirmed the targeting of a Hamas militant situated in the humanitarian zone.
The ongoing conflict was ignited in October 2023 when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly among civilians, and around 250 individuals taken captive. Currently, about 100 of those held hostage remain within Gaza, with Israel estimating that at least a third have perished. The military actions undertaken by Israel have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 45,200 Palestinians, according to figures provided by Gaza’s Health Ministry, which indicates that women and children represent over half of these casualties but does not differentiate between military personnel and civilians in its statistics. The Israeli military claims to have killed over 17,000 militants but has not provided supporting evidence for these numbers.
In related developments, United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon reported witnessing troubling actions by the Israeli military, which included the demolition of residential neighborhoods and the obstruction of roads in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel indicated that these observations included an Israeli flag hoisted in Lebanese territory near the town of Naqoura, the UN peacekeeping mission’s headquarters. Following the U.S.-mediated ceasefire that concluded a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli military is mandated to withdraw from Lebanon within 60 days of the agreement’s signing on November 27. In the time since the ceasefire took effect, the Israeli military has engaged in near-daily operations, which have resulted in at least 27 deaths and numerous injuries due to various military activities, including the destruction of residential buildings and at least one mosque. Ardiel stated, “We continue to monitor the situation and report violations of Resolution 1701,” urging all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize the fragile balance.
In another incident, the Israeli military reported three soldiers were killed during combat operations in northern Gaza. Details surrounding the circumstances of their deaths were not disclosed. A statement released on Sunday indicated that the brigade these soldiers belonged to had completed their operations in the northern town of Beit Lahiya before moving to Beit Hanoun, following intelligence regarding militant activity. Since the commencement of the ground offensive in Gaza, casualty numbers for Israeli soldiers have reached 389.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on Monday regarding efforts to secure a ceasefire and potential hostage release in Gaza, stating that there is “some progress” in negotiations, although he refrained from providing a specific timeline. Following the initial Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, that instigated the war, about 250 individuals were taken hostage, with around 100 remaining in Gaza, approximately one-third of whom are believed deceased. In the Knesset, Netanyahu expressed that significant actions are being taken to bring back hostages, noting that the progress follows the death of Hamas’s leader Yahya Sinwar and military pressure on Iran-backed Hezbollah, who had launched rockets into Israel. He elaborated, “Hamas anticipated Iran and Hezbollah would assist them, but they are occupied with healing from the blows we inflicted.”
Furthermore, Israel’s military announced it successfully intercepted a drone originating from Yemen before it could enter Israeli airspace. This announcement came in the wake of a recent long-range rocket attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting Tel Aviv, which resulted in 16 injuries due to shattered glass. The military indicated that no air raid sirens were activated during this interception. Throughout the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis have reportedly launched over 200 missiles and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) against Israel. While the Houthis have also targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, they maintain that such assaults will persist until a ceasefire in Gaza is observed.
In Syria, a Qatari diplomatic delegation made a historical visit to Damascus, meeting with the primary leader of the insurgent group known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This visit marks the first by a Qatari official in over a decade, with the lead envoy, Mohammed al-Khulaifi, discussing plans for strategic cooperation with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the HTS leader. Al-Sharaa highlighted Qatar’s commitment to providing support during Syria’s transitional period, adding that the two nations are poised to initiate broad collaborative efforts shortly.
In Jenin, West Bank, the Palestinian Authority reported the death of a second member of its security forces following violent clashes with militants. Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab shared that 1st Sgt. Mehran Qadoos was killed by “outlaws” in Jenin, which has witnessed increased unrest recently, leading to a crackdown by security forces against armed groups. Reports from the area indicated heavy gunfire and explosions, yet no Israeli military presence was observed. The clashes coincide with a general strike called by militant factions, who are accusing the Palestinian Authority of acts against their interests and aligning with Israel’s longstanding occupation.
The situation remains tense in Jenin as businesses shuttered in response to widespread protests. The Palestinian Authority insists on its role in maintaining order while declining to act against the occupation. Israeli control in the West Bank has persisted since the 1967 Middle East War, and there is overwhelming opposition to Israeli policies regarding Palestinian statehood among Palestinians. Recent escalation in violence has primarily stemmed from the fallout following the Hamas attack that ignited the conflict.
Finally, in Lebanon, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati commenced a tour of military posts in the southern region, nearly a month post-ceasefire that ended the conflict with Hezbollah. His assessments included discussions on plans for the gradual deployment of Lebanese troops following anticipated Israeli and Hezbollah withdrawals. Mikati’s visit reflects growing frustrations regarding ongoing Israeli airstrikes and overflights. Following meetings with military leadership, he emphasized the goal of ensuring Israel’s full withdrawal to pave the way for the army to effectively perform its responsibilities in the area.
