Israel initiated a significant military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians and injuries to over 40 others, according to Palestinian health authorities. This escalation occurs amidst a fragile three-day ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza.
In another incident in Tel Aviv, a stabbing attack injured four individuals, and the perpetrator was shot dead by security forces. Police have labeled the assailant as a 28-year-old foreign national and classify the attack as a terrorist act.
Amid these turbulent events, Israel’s chief military officer resigned, citing security lapses associated with Hamas’ unexpected assault in October 2023, which led to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His resignation intensifies scrutiny on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has postponed any public investigation that could suggest accountability for his administration.
Despite enduring 15 months of conflict, Hamas continues to maintain control over Gaza, where many residents are sifting through the wreckage of their homes in a devastated landscape.
In other updates, the United Nations has confirmed that aid is flowing into Gaza without significant issues. The U.N. humanitarian coordinator reported that nearly 900 aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday, exceeding the 600 trucks outlined in the ceasefire agreement. Muhannad Hadi, who visited Gaza recently, expressed joy to witness hope among the Palestinians, with many eager to return home and begin cleaning up their communities.
Families conveyed their need for humanitarian support but also expressed their desire to work and rebuild their lives without dependency on aid. Hadi highlighted the urgent requirements for educational resources for children and essential supplies such as tents, blankets, and clothing for those who have been displaced. A shipment of tents is anticipated soon as the U.N. plans to implement cash-for-work programs to clear debris in Gaza.
Hadi acknowledged that while minor incidents of lawlessness may arise during wartime, the U.N. aims to restore order in Gaza, and any reported disturbances were not acts of organized crime. He expressed hope that as aid becomes consistent, the chaotic occurrences would diminish. Logistical challenges remain, including navigating destroyed roadways to deliver essential supplies.
In Rafah, Gaza, many returning residents were met with devastation upon discovering the extent of destruction in their neighborhoods. Single mother Manal Selim, who had maintained a hairdressing business, was heartbroken by the loss of her home and her livelihood. Murad Miqdad, who owned an electrical appliance store, lamented finding nothing left of his possessions, underscoring the dire aftermath left by the conflict.
On the security front, four were injured in a Tuesday evening stabbing incident in central Tel Aviv, with reports indicating the attacker was a foreign national and his actions appeared to be terrorist-related. This incident follows a similar stabbing attack over the weekend, emphasizing ongoing tensions across the region amid the broader hostilities.
In southern Gaza, extensive efforts are underway to recover remains from the ruins of bombed-out buildings. The Civil Defense teams have been working tirelessly to locate and bury the deceased, recovering over 120 bodies in a two-day span. The recovery operations will likely continue as officials prepare for the influx of displaced residents returning to their communities.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister is set to visit Lebanon soon, marking a pivotal moment in relations strained by various geopolitical tensions, including concerns over the influence of Hezbollah and other issues impacting trade. The minister noted the significance of recent political progress in Lebanon, emphasizing the need for substantial reforms.
Despite a ceasefire bringing temporary stability, Hamas remains firmly in power in Gaza, defying Israel’s military campaigns to undermine its leadership. Despite grave losses, reports suggest that Hamas continues to facilitate a semblance of governance in the enclave, amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Lastly, Trump’s administration has repealed sanctions on Israeli settlers, signaling a shift in U.S. policy that may embolden actions in the West Bank. Amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region, the effectiveness of the ceasefire remains uncertain as leaders grapple with the challenges of rebuilding and restoring stability in Gaza amidst the shadow of protracted conflict.
