On Tuesday, Israel conducted a significant military operation in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians and leaving around 40 others injured, according to officials from the Palestinian health authority. This military action unfolded amid an unstable ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, which has now extended into its third day.
In a separate incident in Tel Aviv, four individuals sustained injuries during a stabbing attack. The perpetrator was subsequently killed by security forces at the scene. Israeli police have only disclosed that the attacker was a 28-year-old from abroad, and they suspect the assault was an act of terrorism.
Israel’s military leadership faced further turmoil as the nation’s top general announced his resignation, taking accountability for security lapses related to Hamas’ unforeseen offensive in October 2023, which has escalated the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This resignation adds more strain to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has thus far postponed any public inquiry that could implicate his administration in the failures.
Despite facing over 15 months of war, Hamas continues to maintain control over Gaza. The situation on the ground for many Palestinians in the area remains dire, as they navigate the remnants of their homes in a landscape marred by destruction.
In further developments, the United Nations reported that humanitarian assistance is being successfully delivered to Gaza. The U.N. humanitarian coordinator noted that numerous trucks from various sources, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, have been arriving with much-needed supplies. On the third day of the ceasefire, nearly 900 trucks entered Gaza, surpassing the 600 truck target outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
Muhannad Hadi, returning from Gaza, expressed his joy to see people in the streets displaying hope, as some began to return to their homes or started cleaning the debris. Families have conveyed their urgent need for humanitarian help while emphasizing their desire to return to work and support themselves. Hadi pointed out the importance of restoring shelter, as many have been without basic necessities like clothing for over a year. He mentioned that a shipment of tents is anticipated soon.
Hadi, who also serves as deputy U.N. coordinator for the Middle East peace process, indicated that the U.N. plans to initiate early recovery programs focused on providing employment for rubble removal. He stressed the need for the banking system and electricity to be functional for these programs to take root, highlighting the cooperation of U.N. member states and private sectors.
He acknowledged that some minor lawlessness had occurred amidst the ceasefire but reassured that the reported incidents of looting were not the actions of organized groups. Children and individuals were noted to have tried to take food and water, but he is hopeful that as the aid continues, such acts will diminish.
Many Palestinians returning to the southern Gaza city of Rafah have been devastated to discover their homes and businesses completely destroyed. Manal Selim, a single mother, emotionally recounted her shock upon finding her hairdressing business and rented clothing shop in ruins after 25 years of hard work. Murad Miqdad reflected similarly, revealing that his home and store lay in a heap of rubble, with no salvageable items left.
In Tel Aviv, an attack left four people injured, with two in moderate condition and another sustaining severe injuries. The Israeli police confirmed that the attack occurred in a busy area filled with cafes and restaurants and began an investigation into the suspected terrorist motivations behind it.
As the ceasefire persists, Palestinians in southern Gaza face the grim task of uncovering bodies from the debris following the bombardment of buildings. Emergency services have undertaken efforts to retrieve remains for proper burials, revealing the devastation wrought upon the region. Reports indicated that over 120 decomposed bodies were recovered recently.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister announced intentions to visit Lebanon for the first time in years, signifying a potential thaw in relations. During a speech in Davos, the minister praised Lebanon’s recent political developments. Strained ties between the two countries have often been attributed to Hezbollah’s influence and drug trafficking issues.
In Gaza, Hamas continues to retain power despite the extensive destruction and loss of life resulting from the ongoing conflict with Israel. The group has emerged into the open as the ceasefire takes hold, only to reinforce its hold over the territory.
Israel’s military campaign has resulted in more than 47,000 Palestinian deaths, with the majority of casualties being non-combatants, though specifics on those reported as fighters remain uncorroborated. Aid continues to flood into Gaza as efforts to address the overwhelming humanitarian crisis gain momentum, with U.N. officials indicating that both food and medical assistance remain critically needed.
In military leadership news, an Israeli general has stepped down, holding himself accountable for the lapses preceding the Hamas attack in October. This resignation increases calls for an inquiry into the failures leading up to that day, an action Prime Minister Netanyahu has suggested should be postponed until the current conflict is resolved.
