340 health personnel killed in Gaza since 7 October, says health ministry
Israeli forces continue to target health personnel
Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesperson for Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, has reported that Israeli forces have killed 340 health personnel and arrested 99 since 7 October. This devastating loss has severely impacted Gaza’s healthcare system, leaving the region in crisis. This information sheds light on the repeated and deliberate targeting of health personnel, which violates the fundamental principles of humanitarian law. Al Jazeera also reports that 123 ambulances have been destroyed during the same period, further hindering the ability to provide vital medical assistance to the affected population.
Aid groups warn of Rafah ‘bloodbath’ if Israel advances
Israeli military’s potential advance raises concerns
Aid workers in Gaza’s Rafah region are warning that any Israeli military advance into the area could result in mass deaths and a humanitarian crisis. The population in Rafah, which has already increased five-fold due to people fleeing bombardment, is trapped in a small area bordering Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea. The Norwegian Refugee Council’s secretary general, Jan Egeland, has emphasized the urgency of preventing a “bloodbath” in Rafah, highlighting the dire consequences that further escalation could have on the already strained humanitarian response. The region’s overcrowded shelters are nearing capacity, limiting the ability to provide sufficient assistance to the vulnerable population.
Syrian air defences respond to ‘hostile targets’ in vicinity of Damascus, say state media
Tensions rise in Damascus amidst ongoing conflicts
Syrian air defences have successfully shot down two drones in western Damascus, according to state media reports. The drones were detected coming from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to the west of the capital. While the Israeli military refrained from commenting on the incident, this development underscores the escalating tensions in the region. With ongoing Israeli strikes and the presence of foreign and domestic military forces, the situation in Syria remains volatile. The involvement of foreign delegations, such as Iran’s foreign minister scheduled to visit Syria, further complicates efforts towards attaining peace and stability in the region.
Several Arab foreign ministers discuss Israel-Hamas war in Gaza
Diplomatic efforts continue amidst recent conflicts
The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza was a key topic of discussion during a meeting of several Arab foreign ministers in Riyadh. The meeting included the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, along with the secretary-general of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), Hussein al-Sheikh. Diplomatic efforts to broker a truce have gained momentum following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Middle East tour. While challenges persist, hopes remain for a long-awaited Gaza truce deal. Emphasizing the importance of an immediate and complete ceasefire, the ministers also stressed the need to work towards implementing the two-state solution for lasting peace and stability in the region. The outcomes of this meeting lay the groundwork for continued negotiations and diplomatic initiatives.
UAE foreign minister calls for efforts to prevent expansion of Gaza conflict
United Arab Emirates stresses the importance of de-escalation
During a meeting of Arab states in Riyadh, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) foreign minister has called for intensified efforts to prevent the further escalation of the conflict in Gaza. The meeting, attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as other high-level officials, reflects the urgent need for de-escalation to safeguard lives and stability in the region. The UAE’s appeal underscores the pivotal role the Arab states can play in promoting a peaceful resolution to the crisis. These joint efforts aim to prevent the humanitarian situation in Gaza from deteriorating and reduce the threat of further violence.
Iran’s foreign minister to travel to Lebanon and Syria to discuss regional issues
Iranian official to engage in diplomatic talks
Hossein Amirabdollahian, the foreign minister of Iran, is set to visit Lebanon and Syria to discuss various regional issues. The talks aim to address the ongoing conflicts and political dynamics in the region. With the situation in Syria escalating and the recent Israeli attacks on Syria, these diplomatic efforts assume significant importance. The visit is expected to foster dialogue and facilitate the exchange of ideas among regional stakeholders. The discussions between Iran’s foreign minister and high-ranking officials in Lebanon and Syria will play a crucial role in shaping the regional dynamics and exploring potential pathways to mitigate the crises.
Unicef says escalation in Rafah would put thousands more children at risk
Humanitarian crisis deepens as conflict looms
Unicef, the UN children’s agency, has voiced its concern over the potential escalation of conflict in Rafah, emphasizing the impact it would have on the children in the region. With more than 600,000 children currently in Rafah, the risk of casualties and the strain on humanitarian aid organizations increase exponentially. Unicef has called on all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians, especially children, and to adhere to international humanitarian law. The agency’s executive director, Catherine Russell, highlighted the urgent need to maintain the functionality of essential infrastructure and provide sufficient aid to prevent further suffering in the already heavily affected region.
11 Palestinians arrested in Israeli army raids in the occupied West Bank overnight
Israeli forces detain several Palestinians
According to reports from local sources, the Israeli army conducted overnight raids in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the arrest of 11 Palestinians. Israeli forces stormed various villages in Ramallah, apprehending seven Palestinians. Additional arrests were made, including a journalist named Hamza Safi, during a separate operation in Tulkarem. These arrests contribute to the tense atmosphere in the region, signaling the persistence of long-standing conflicts and the restrictions imposed on the Palestinians. These incidents further underscore the challenges in achieving peaceful coexistence and a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Food in Gaza is becoming ‘so scarce that people are resorting to eating grass’, says ActionAid
Humanitarian crisis deepens as essential resources dwindle
Humanitarian organization ActionAid has reported the dire food shortage in Gaza, with people resorting to eating grass in a desperate attempt to alleviate hunger. Food scarcity, limited access to safe water, and overcrowded conditions have pushed the population to the brink of a crisis. A potential intensification of attacks in Rafah, where over 1.4 million displaced people are seeking refuge, would have disastrous consequences. ActionAid calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to avoid further loss of lives and to ensure sufficient aid reaches Gaza. The situation remains alarming, as the strained resources and overburdened facilities in Gaza struggle to cope with the escalating crisis.
