The Israeli military’s offensive in the Gaza Strip continues unabated, with recent airstrikes resulting in the deaths of 17 Palestinians in the Nusayrat and Bureyc refugee camps, and the city of Rafah. The total death toll now exceeds 37,400, with over 85,000 injured since the conflict’s inception. Despite a declared humanitarian pause, the violence persists, with multiple reports confirming ongoing military operations. In Israel, over 150,000 people have protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, demanding his resignation and early elections. Clashes between protesters and police have led to hospitalizations and arrests. Intelligence reports suggest that the Israeli military had prior knowledge of the Hamas attack that killed 13 people in the Nusayrat refugee camp. The international community, through the UN and US envoy Amos Hochstein, is actively seeking to broker a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis. The US envoy is also working to prevent further escalation along the Israeli-Lebanese border, amidst concerns over Hezbollah’s involvement. Amidst the turmoil, two leading Democrats in the US Congress have reportedly withdrawn their opposition to a major arms deal with Israel. As the conflict drags on, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with residents facing famine and a lack of basic necessities.
Key points
- Israeli military operations in Gaza continue with 17 more Palestinians killed, despite a humanitarian pause.
- Protests against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war have escalated, with calls for his resignation.
- International efforts, led by the UN and US envoy, push for a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
