In the past 24 hours, the health ministry in Gaza has reported at least 165 people killed, bringing the total death toll to 26,422 since the war erupted on October 7. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responding to an International Court of Justice ruling, emphasized that actions taken by Israel are determined by security needs.
The UN court, while not ordering a ceasefire, has asked Israel to submit a compliance report in a month. This follows increased scrutiny of Israel’s military actions. The conflict has displaced nearly 85 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, and the death toll includes both civilians and militants.
Funding Suspensions for Palestinian Refugee Agency Amidst Allegations
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees is facing funding suspensions from nine countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, and Finland. Israel alleged that some Gaza staff members participated in the October 7 Hamas attack, prompting the funding withdrawals. The agency, aiding over a million people, faces a critical situation as it depends almost entirely on countries’ contributions.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Health Facilities Struggle
The health crisis in Gaza intensifies as the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) issue urgent warnings about Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The facility lacks essential supplies, including anesthesia and medicines for intensive care units. The UN court has ordered Israel to urgently facilitate aid to Gaza, where access remains below pre-war levels, causing critical shortages.
International Efforts for Mediation and Release of Hostages
Efforts for mediation continue, with the US CIA director set to meet with intelligence heads of Israel and Egypt, along with the prime minister of Qatar. Over 100 hostages were released in November, but 136 remain, and Hamas insists on their release in exchange for ending the conflict. Netanyahu, addressing the situation, accused Qatar of supporting Hamas and called for action to prove its role as a mediator.
Protests and Calls for New Elections in Israel
Domestically, frustration with the government’s handling of the situation has led to protests in Tel Aviv and outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. Demonstrators call for new elections, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to bring all hostages home. Meanwhile, Israel observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day amidst the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains complex, with no immediate resolution in sight, as diplomatic, humanitarian, and domestic challenges persist.
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