Israel has announced that it will retain control over the Rafah border crossing linking Egypt and the Gaza Strip throughout the initial phase of the ceasefire with Hamas. In a statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday, it was categorically denied that the Western-backed Palestinian Authority would oversee the crossing. The ceasefire, which has now entered its fourth day, aims to provide respite to the war-stricken Gaza territory for at least six weeks and is set to facilitate the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the transfer of hundreds of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons.
The Israeli statement clarified that European Union monitors would supervise the crossing, which would be secured by Israeli military personnel. Israel will also maintain final approval over the flow of people and goods through this critical juncture. The conflict escalated after Hamas militants entered Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, along with the kidnapping of about 250 others. To date, around 100 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza, with reports suggesting that at least one-third of them are presumed dead.
Reports from local health authorities indicate that Israel’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, a tragic toll that includes a significant number of women and children, though precise figures on the number of combatants among the deceased have not been provided. In contrast, Israel claims to have eliminated over 17,000 militants in the conflict without offering substantiating evidence.
In a separate update, the newly appointed defense minister of Syria has expressed openness to discussions with U.S.-backed Kurdish forces controlling northeastern Syria, signaling potential negotiations to unify the military command in the war-ravaged country. The Syrian government, previously composed of former rebels, has ruled out the establishment of any federal or autonomous regions, advocating instead for total state control over all military assets.
“We are looking for a resolution with the eastern administration that safeguards the Kurdish community and fosters a peaceful dialogue, aiming to avoid broader conflict,” stated Murhaf Abu Qasra during a press briefing. The Kurdish forces have recently engaged in confrontations with Turkish-backed groups in northern Syria, a situation that has emerged since President Bashar Assad was ousted. Turkey seeks to establish a buffer zone devoid of Kurdish elements, whereas the Kurds remain crucial partners for the U.S. in combating reforms from the Islamic State’s sleeper cells.
In another development, health officials reported that hundreds of Palestinians are currently trapped in a hospital amid an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank, which has led to at least ten fatalities over two days. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the Israeli military is attempting to deactivate explosive devices placed by militants near the hospital in Jenin, instructing patients and staff not to leave during the demolition.
Witnesses recounted the fear permeating the hospital as individuals were unable to exit for protracted periods. As clashes echoed in the vacant streets, nursing personnel described dire conditions, noting the absence of food, medical supplies, or any form of aid. In the meantime, the Israeli military contends that the operation’s objective is clearly defined: clearing out roadside explosives threatening their personnel.
Additionally, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have announced the release of the crew from the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel they took hostage in November 2023, marking the beginning of their operations in the Red Sea corridor. The rebels acknowledged on Wednesday that the release followed mediation efforts by Oman.
The vessel’s crew comprised 25 international sailors from various countries, including the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico. The Houthi faction justified their actions by citing the ship’s connections to Israel, which initiated a broader campaign aimed at intercepting vessels in international waters; a campaign that has since been suspended due to the current ceasefire and its ramifications on the ongoing conflict involving Hamas in Gaza.
Finally, the United Nations has reported that humanitarian assistance is flowing into Gaza without major disruptions. According to the U.N.’s humanitarian coordinator in the region, aid trucks from various organizations and governments have been arriving, with nearly 900 trucks delivering supplies on the third day of the ceasefire, surpassing initial projections.
Muhannad Hadi, who recently returned to Jerusalem from Gaza, shared his observations about the uplifted spirits of Palestinians marking a significant moment in his humanitarian career. While expressing a need for emergency aid, many locals expressed a desire to resume normalcy, seeking not only relief but also the opportunity to work and support their families. There’s a palpable yearning among residents to return to their homes and address immediate needs like education, clothing, and shelter, particularly for those who have endured extended hardships.
