Israel has announced that it will retain control of the Rafah border crossing connecting Egypt to the Gaza Strip during the initial phase of the current ceasefire with Hamas. The truce, which has been in effect for four days, aims to provide a respite for the ravaged Gaza Strip for a minimum of six weeks and includes the condition that 33 hostages held by Hamas be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
In a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, reports suggesting that the Western-backed Palestinian Authority would manage the Rafah crossing were firmly refuted. The announcement clarified that while European Union monitors will oversee operations at the crossing, it will be heavily guarded by Israeli military forces. Furthermore, Israel will have the power to approve or deny the movement of individuals and goods at the crossing.
This conflict began on October 7, 2023, when militants from Hamas launched a surprise offensive in Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties, predominantly among civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals. Currently, around 100 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza, with at least a third presumed to be deceased. The Israeli military’s actions have reportedly resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, a figure provided by local health authorities, which state that a significant portion of these casualties consists of women and children, though they have not specified the number of militants killed. Conversely, Israel has claimed the deaths of over 17,000 militants without presenting supporting evidence.
In other developments, Syria’s new foreign minister expressed optimism for the country’s economic recovery during an address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He highlighted aspirations for Syria to emulate the success of nations such as Singapore and Saudi Arabia as it embarks on reconstruction following nearly 14 years of warfare. “The aid of the international community is crucial for this new endeavor,” stated Asaad al-Shibani.
Al-Shibani emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that their constitution and governance structure is inclusive and representative of all Syrian demographics. Although Western nations are cautiously working towards restoring connections with Damascus, sentiments regarding the legitimacy of the new leadership, which consists of the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, remain mixed.
In related news, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday the commencement of troop withdrawals from the Gaza Strip, coinciding with the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This decision will facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza, as operations will initiate once another group of hostages is released and brought into Israeli custody.
The Israeli military has been documenting the withdrawal of troops and tanks from Gaza, with the Givati Brigade Combat Team recently concluding their operations in Jabaliya, where significant military activity had previously unfolded.
Amid these developments, Syria’s newly appointed defense minister expressed readiness to explore “all possibilities” for negotiations with Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria. The government, made up of former rebels, is adamant about retaining centralized military control and opposes any federalism or autonomous governance.
In the West Bank, an Israeli military operation has encircled a hospital in Jenin, trapping hundreds of Palestinians within its confines. This operation, initiated in an effort to neutralize explosives set by militants, has already claimed the lives of at least ten individuals in just two days, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
A nurse working at Jenin Government Hospital described the fear experienced by patients as they awaited the explosive detonation outside. As ambulances and military vehicles surrounded the area, residents, including pregnant women and the elderly, attempted to leave amidst echoes of gunfire and the buzzing of drones overhead. Reports indicate severe shortages of medical supplies and necessities within the hospital, raising concerns amongst families trapped there.
In a different development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have reported the release of the crew from a commercial vessel they seized in November 2023. Following negotiations facilitated by Oman, the crew members, originally from various nations, were freed after being held because of the ship’s alleged connection to Israel.
Lastly, the United Nations has confirmed that aid delivery into Gaza is proceeding smoothly as trucks carrying supplies from various organizations and governments continue to arrive. The UN’s humanitarian coordinator reported a substantial increase in aid trucks entering Gaza, offering a glimpse of hope for those affected by the ongoing conflict. Palestinians have expressed a yearning to return to their homes and continue their daily lives, underscoring the pressing need for adequate shelter, clothing, and educational resources for their children.
