Israeli airstrikes overnight in the Gaza Strip led to the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to reports from Palestinian medical personnel on Monday. Among the deceased were eight people, including two children, following an airstrike that targeted a tent camp in the Muwasi area. This location has been identified by Israel as a humanitarian safe zone but has consistently faced bombardment. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving the bodies of the victims.
The Israeli military maintains that its operations are focused exclusively on militant targets, accusing such groups of using civilian areas as a shield. In its statements, the military noted that it had recently aimed its fire at a Hamas militant located in the humanitarian zone.
The ongoing conflict commenced with a significant Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, primarily among civilians, and around 250 people taken hostage. Current estimates suggest that about 100 captives remain in Gaza, with at least a third presumed dead. Furthermore, Israel’s military actions have reportedly resulted in over 45,200 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which indicates that more than half of those killed were women and children, although it has not differentiated between civilians and combatants. The Israeli military claims that more than 17,000 militants have been killed but has not provided substantiating evidence for this assertion.
In related developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that there appears to be “some progress” in negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, he did not provide a specific timeline for when a deal might be finalized. Of the hostages taken during the October 7 raid, around 100 are still believed to be in Gaza, with many thought to be deceased.
While addressing the Knesset, Netanyahu emphasized that significant efforts are being made through various channels to ensure the return of hostages, and he cautiously noted some advancements in the relations. He also credited the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and military actions against Hezbollah as contributing factors to the progress being made.
“This conflict has drawn a response, as Hamas anticipated support from both Iran and Hezbollah, but they are preoccupied dealing with the repercussions of our military measures,” he asserted, underscoring Israel’s continuous military operations against Hamas.
Separately, the Israeli military announced on Monday that it successfully intercepted a drone launched from Yemen before it could enter Israeli airspace. This interception followed a recent long-range rocket attack attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which impacted Tel Aviv, injuring 16 individuals due to shattered glass. The military revealed that no air raid alerts were issued during the interception.
Israeli authorities claim that the Iran-aligned Houthis have launched over 200 projectiles, including missiles and drones, throughout the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Moreover, the Houthis have engaged in assaults on maritime activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, asserting that such actions will persist until a ceasefire in Gaza is established. Despite the presence of U.S. and European warships in the area, these assaults continue unabated. The recent airstrikes conducted by the U.S. in Yemen align with Israel’s broader military objectives, which include operations that reportedly resulted in the deaths of several individuals last week.
In a significant diplomatic meeting, a Qatari delegation visited Damascus on Monday for the first time in over ten years, engaging with Syria’s leading insurgent commander. Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, expressed that strategic cooperation between Syria and Qatar is poised to commence shortly. Historically, Qatar, together with Turkey, has supported rebel factions in the region, adapting to the shifting political landscape following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad.
The Qatari envoy, who included the minister of state for foreign affairs, was received by al-Sharaa, who extended an invitation for the emir of Qatar to visit Damascus, indicating a swift restoration of relations. Al-Sharaa conveyed optimism regarding Qatar’s support during Syria’s transitional phase and outlined plans for extensive collaboration between the two nations.
In further developments in Jenin, West Bank, a second member of the Palestinian Authority’s security forces was reported killed during confrontations with militants. Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab announced that 1st Sgt. Mehran Qadoos was shot dead on Monday amidst clashes in the volatile northern town, marking a continuation of violence that had previously claimed an additional security force member’s life.
Amidst escalating tensions, militant factions have called for a general strike across the territory, accusing the security forces of suppressing their activities to align with Israel’s longstanding occupation. An eyewitness in Jenin reported hearing gunfire and explosions, indicating ongoing conflict between the security forces and militant groups, while no Israeli troops were observed in the vicinity.
The Palestinian Authority, backed by Western support, faces considerable unpopularity among its constituents, with criticism aimed at its cooperation with Israeli security efforts. Although striving to uphold law and order, the PA contends it cannot administer policing under occupation. Limited in its jurisdiction within the West Bank, the PA’s authority is continuously challenged against the backdrop of a regional struggle for statehood, particularly following the escalation of hostilities elicited by Hamas’ assault on Israel.
In Lebanon, the caretaker prime minister embarked on a visit to military installations in the country’s southern region, nearly a month following a ceasefire agreement intended to conclude the conflict involving Hezbollah. Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s tour represents a notable engagement, as Lebanese forces prepare for gradual deployment in the area amidst expectations of withdrawals from both Hezbollah operatives and Israeli troops before month’s end.
Mikati addressed frustrations regarding ongoing Israeli assaults and violations of Lebanese airspace, asserting the prioritization of Israeli withdrawal and the military’s operational readiness. With the Lebanese military heavily dependent on external financial support, the government aims to leverage the ceasefire to enhance military capabilities in the south, where Hezbollah has maintained a significant presence.
Despite limited involvement in direct confrontations, Lebanese military personnel have suffered losses due to Israeli strikes, and the Israeli armed forces have acknowledged these attacks. Given the sensitive nature of regional tensions, Mikati’s visit underscores the delicate balance of military and diplomatic maneuvering as Lebanon seeks to solidify its defense posture following the recent hostilities.
