The ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas entered its fifth day on Thursday. Humanitarian organizations are ramping up their efforts to deliver food and supplies to the devastated region as Palestinians dig through heaps of wreckage in search of the deceased, who were victims of the Israeli airstrikes throughout the 15-month conflict. Over the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry reported that more than 120 bodies of individuals killed prior to the ceasefire were retrieved and taken to hospitals in the Gaza Strip.
Amid the ongoing ceasefire, Israel has intensified its military operations in the West Bank city of Jenin. Israeli troops and vehicles were seen patrolling the muddy streets as families fled the area, carrying their belongings and suitcases. Israel maintains that the military operations aim to eliminate militant threats in the region. In this latest operation, the Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed the deaths of at least 10 individuals.
In the latest updates, two Palestinian brothers were reportedly killed by Israeli tank fire in southern Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The incident occurred near Rafah, following the establishment of a ceasefire in the war-torn territory. The shelling targeted the Tel al-Sultan district, resulting in the deaths of the siblings as they stood near their residence. The Palestinian Civil Defense confirmed that both bodies were recovered, but the Israeli military has not responded to inquiries about the attack.
With the lull in Israeli bombardments since the ceasefire began on Sunday, search operations have intensified for bodies buried under the debris of collapsed buildings. Many of these remains have gone unrecovered for weeks, hidden under the rubble due to safety concerns. The Health Ministry indicated that a total of at least 120 lifeless bodies have been pulled from the wreckage and documented in hospitals throughout the Gaza Strip, bringing the overall death toll among Palestinians in Gaza to exceed 47,000.
As people mourn their lost loved ones at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the atmosphere remains somber. Families comb through body bags in a courtyard searching for missing relatives, with some individuals taking a moment to kneel and grieve over the white plastic coverings.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah has expressed that the Lebanese government must ensure Israeli forces comply with the ceasefire agreement by the upcoming deadline. The ceasefire, negotiated by U.S. and French officials, stipulates that Israeli troops should withdraw from Lebanese territories by Sunday. Israeli media reports suggest that Israel may be considering delaying the withdrawal, which has prompted Hezbollah to warn it could resume rocket and drone attacks if the Israeli pullout does not occur on time.
Meanwhile, residents of Naqoura in southern Lebanon returned to their town after the Israeli forces pulled back. A large number of cars, some displaying Hezbollah flags, filled the coastal roads as the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers worked to clear mines and restore safety to the community. The returning residents discovered many homes and businesses completely destroyed, with basic infrastructure like water and electricity lines reduced to rubble.
In a separate development, the U.N.’s migration agency made its first delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza since the ceasefire commenced. The convoy, filled with shelter materials and hygiene supplies, aims to assist around 10,000 individuals impacted by the conflict. As displacement rises to almost 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, the United Nations previously reported that 69% of Gaza’s structures have suffered damage or destruction.
In the cultural realm, a survivor of the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, has been chosen to represent Israel at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Yuval Raphael, a 24-year-old, won the selection contest while dedicating her winning performance to the victims of the attack. As a participant in the Nova music festival when militants attacked the event, she has since shared her harrowing experience with Israeli lawmakers and plans to carry the impact of that day with her indefinitely.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated Thursday that Israel remains steadfast in its objective to dismantle Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, offering no assurances regarding the success of the ongoing ceasefire. He emphasized that as long as Hamas retains power, peace and stability will remain elusive in the region.
As the ceasefire brings brief relief to the people of Gaza, winter weather has further complicated conditions for many displaced individuals. Heavy rains have caused flooding in makeshift camps, with tents soaked through, leaving many shivering from the cold and increasing fears of illness. Residents in a camp in Deir al-Balah have expressed their frustration, stating that the truce has done little to alleviate their suffering.
In a significant milestone for international relations, a Turkish Airlines flight successfully landed in Damascus, Syria, marking the first commercial flight to land in the Syrian capital in 13 years. The arrival precedes further discussions about improving economic ties and assisting Syria in overcoming its energy crises.
With the deadline for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon approaching, Israeli officials are reportedly engaged in discussions with the United States regarding the situation. The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. anticipates an understanding will be reached about the withdrawal timeline, despite ongoing concerns regarding the readiness of Lebanese forces to take over former Israeli positions.
In a recent operation, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian militants believed to have participated in a bus attack in the West Bank earlier this month. Following a standoff in a village in the West Bank, the Israeli military confirmed the deaths of the assailants as a soldier was reported to have been moderately injured.
The situation remains fluid in the region, with significant developments noted in both humanitarian efforts and military actions amid the fragile ceasefire.
