The Israeli military reported that they have slain five more militants in a significant operation in the occupied West Bank, including a prominent local commander known as Mohammed Jaber or Abu Shujaa, affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group in the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem. There has been no immediate confirmation from the Palestinian side regarding Abu Shujaa’s death. The operation follows an escalation of violence in the West Bank after an attack by Hamas on October 7 from Gaza triggered a conflict in the region.

In recent updates, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, suggested that the EU should consider imposing sanctions on Israeli government ministers for their remarks concerning the conflict in Gaza. Borrell criticized certain ministers for inflammatory comments directed towards Palestinians, claiming some statements violate international law and incite further crimes. The EU foreign policy chief did not disclose the names of the ministers in question but raised concerns over comments made by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Furthermore, the UN’s World Food Program declared a suspension of staff movement in Gaza following an incident where one of its marked vehicles was shot at multiple times near an Israeli military checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza bridge. Although no staff members were physically harmed, the incident emphasized the growing risks faced by humanitarian agencies in Gaza, impacting their ability to deliver essential aid.

Additionally, Israeli authorities announced the retrieval of the body of a soldier who was abducted and killed by Hamas on October 7 and held in the Gaza Strip. The soldier, whose identity was not disclosed at the family’s request, was mourned by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised his heroism in defending Israeli communities near Gaza. This recovery comes amidst ongoing hostilities in the region, with militants still holding a number of hostages following the October conflict.