The fate of 120 Israeli hostages remains uncertain in Gaza, casting doubt over a purported ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas. A Hamas official claims ignorance of the hostages’ well-being, alleging Israeli actions have endangered their lives. Negotiations on a US-backed ceasefire proposal have hit a snag, with Hamas rejecting Israel’s short-term ceasefire and demanding a permanent end to hostilities, among other conditions.
Israeli forces successfully rescued four hostages from the central Gaza Strip in a complex daytime operation. The rescued individuals, identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, were abducted during the Nova music festival on October 7. Following their rescue, the hostages were transported to a hospital for medical examinations. The operation is part of Israel’s broader efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by militants amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged an immediate end to hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, expressing concern over the possibility of a wider conflict. The situation along the demarcation line between the two countries has become increasingly tense in recent days, with exchanges of artillery fire between Hezbollah and Israel. Both groups have ties to Iran and are considered allies. Guterres emphasized the need for a ceasefire, warning that continued fighting could have catastrophic consequences for the region.
The Israeli military carried out an airstrike on a UN school in central Gaza on Thursday, killing at least 33 people, including 14 children and nine women. The military claimed that the school housed a “Hamas compound” and that several Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were using it as a staging ground to launch attacks on Israeli soldiers. The UNRWA school was filled with Palestinians who had fled Israeli offensives and bombardment in northern Gaza.
Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have expressed contrasting views on Israel’s recent airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. Fetterman defended Israel’s actions, while Sanders condemned them. Sanders also announced that he would not attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress, calling him a “war criminal.” The ICC has issued warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. President Biden has endorsed an Israeli-proposed ceasefire deal, but it is unclear whether he and Netanyahu are on the same page.
Both Israel and Hamas have vehemently denounced a request by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor to issue arrest warrants for their leaders for alleged war crimes. The ICC’s prosecutor, Karim Khan, has accused both Israeli and Hamas leaders of committing crimes against humanity during the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has condemned the move as a ‘historical disgrace’ while Hamas has ‘strongly condemned’ it. The US, Israel’s key ally, and France have expressed support for the court’s independence. However, the ICC does not have the authority to enforce its warrants, and any arrests would depend on the cooperation of ICC member states.
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders. The move comes amid a new Israeli offensive in central Gaza, despite warnings from the U.S. about the risk of mass casualties.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has recently stepped up its attacks on Israel, employing drones and more sophisticated weaponry. In a recent incident, Hezbollah fired three anti-tank guided missiles at an Israeli military post, followed by an attack on a base near Tiberias using explosive drones. The group’s use of drones capable of firing missiles and other advanced weaponry has raised concerns within the Israeli military.
Hezbollah’s escalation of attacks is seen as a means of pressuring Israel to end its military operations in the Gaza Strip. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has stated that the fighting will continue until Israel’s actions in Gaza cease. Hezbollah’s recent actions aim to raise its demands in potential border negotiations and increase military pressure on Israel as it prepares for a battle in Rafah.
Despite efforts from foreign dignitaries to end the violence, Hezbollah has maintained its tough stance. The group’s deputy leader, Naim Kassim, has warned Israel against opening an all-out war, citing the group’s success in previous conflicts.
Israeli forces have intensified their offensive in the Gaza Strip, pushing into the heart of Jabalia in the north and pounding Rafah in the south. Hamas fighters have responded with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, while the United Nations has called for the opening of land crossings to allow aid deliveries. The death toll in Gaza has risen to 35,272, and malnutrition is widespread.
Turkey has suspended all trade activities with Israel in response to the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip. This move comes after Turkey imposed restrictions on exports to Israel last month and follows the Israeli government’s continued aggression and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Turkey will enforce these measures until Israel allows the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
