The ceasefire in Gaza, which has been holding between Israel and Hamas, marked its fifth day on Thursday. Humanitarian organizations are actively working to deliver food and essential supplies to the devastated region as many Palestinians continue searching through rubble in hopes of finding the remains of those lost during the 15 months of conflict.
According to the Health Ministry, more than 120 bodies were retrieved and taken to hospitals across the Gaza Strip within the last 24 hours, bringing the total reported Palestinian death toll to over 47,000, although the ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. The ministry also reported that Israeli tank shelling claimed the lives of two brothers in southern Gaza, an incident that Israel’s military attributed to forces targeting individuals it perceived as threats.
Amid the ongoing ceasefire, Israel has commenced a substantial military operation in the city of Jenin located in the occupied West Bank. Reports indicate that Israeli soldiers, along with armored vehicles, were present in the area on Thursday as displaced Palestinian families fled, some carrying luggage and pets. Israel maintains that its actions aim to eliminate militancy in the region, with the Palestinian Health Ministry stating that at least ten individuals lost their lives in Jenin amid these operations.
In a U.N. Security Council session convened by Russia, the humanitarian impact of the war on children in Gaza was highlighted by the U.N. humanitarian chief. He reported that children in the region have faced unimaginable hardships, including being killed, starved, and orphaned, leading to a deeply traumatized generation. Fletcher noted that over 17,000 children are believed to be separated from their families, with many others in dire need of health services. The U.N. children’s agency, UNICEF, has indicated that a million children in Gaza require mental health support for issues like depression and anxiety.
In a positive development, significant amounts of aid are now reaching areas in Gaza that had previously been hard to access. The U.N. humanitarian office confirmed that at least 653 aid trucks entered Gaza on Thursday, with most supplies being delivered from Israel, as the Egypt-Gaza crossing remains closed. Furthermore, for the first time since the ceasefire began, seven fuel trucks reached northern Gaza, aiding 20 health facilities for about a week’s operational needs. Aid organizations expect the delivery of more critical supplies, including food, medicine, and sanitation resources in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Senate has confirmed John Ratcliffe as the new CIA director, placing him as a key figure in the Biden administration and following a significant role in handling the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations.
Palestinian authorities have also reported claims of torture related to the death of a Hamas militant in Israeli custody last month. An autopsy revealed signs of physical abuse and intracranial bleeding, raising serious concerns over the treatment of detainees. The case has prompted calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Palestinian prisoners while in Israeli detention.
In a separate incident, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has defended Elon Musk against accusations of making a Nazi salute. Netanyahu described Musk as a “great friend of Israel” and rebuffed claims of anti-Semitism related to Musk’s gesture.
The situation in Lebanon is looking precarious as Greece aims to ensure the ceasefire is honored by both Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Pressure is mounting on the Lebanese government to facilitate a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops as both sides are expected to retreat from southern Lebanon by Sunday, as per the ceasefire agreement.
Back in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as heavy rains have exacerbated already dire conditions for those displaced. Many are forced to seek shelter in precarious tents that are quickly overwhelmed by flooding. The downpour has turned makeshift camps into muddy quagmires, further complicating the lives of those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Israeli military operations have also led to the killing of two militants linked to a previous bus attack in the West Bank. Israeli forces reported that the two individuals engaged in a firefight before being killed during an operation in Burqin.
Journaklistic freedom has come under strain, with Al Jazeera reporting the arrest of one of its reporters by the Palestinian Authority after preventing him from covering an Israeli military operation. The authorities have faced scrutiny for trying to limit press coverage amidst escalating tensions.
As the situation evolves in these regions, the humanitarian needs continue to grow, highlighting the urgent need for increased aid and intervention to address the myriad challenges faced by civilians.
