Israeli military has withdrawn from Gaza’s main hospital after a two-week raid, stating it killed around 200 militants and detained hundreds. Upon returning, Palestinians found the hospital heavily burned and damaged, with bodies inside and outside the facility, including doctors. Israel blamed Hamas for the destruction and an apparent Israeli airstrike killed four international aid workers who had just delivered a new shipment of food to northern Gaza. Iran reported that two of its generals and five officers were killed in a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria, suggesting an escalation of Israel’s targeting of Iranian military officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to shut down Qatari-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera, following a law passed by the parliament allowing the country to halt the channel’s broadcasts. The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 32,845 Palestinians according to the territory’s Health Ministry. The war was initiated when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages being taken. Israel is also reported to have killed four aid workers in Gaza and targeted the Iranian consulate in Syria, causing casualties among Iranian military officials.
The U.N. Security Council expects a letter from the Palestinians outlining their request for full membership in the United Nations. France has circulated a proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, as the war continues to escalate. Syria reported an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, resulting in fatalities including a senior Iranian military adviser. The United Nations is planning a mission to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to provide medical assistance and assess the hospital’s condition following the Israeli raid.
Ships carrying hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid have approached Gaza, including food and other essential items. The Israeli military reported damage to a military base in Eilat from a suspicious aerial target, potentially linked to Iran-backed Iraqi militias. The Israeli Supreme Court decision concerning the military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews went into effect, leading to protests and arrests of relatives of senior Hamas leaders. Netanyahu underwent successful hernia surgery, and Palestinians reported the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza’s main hospital after significant destruction.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges. The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict. The impact of the war on civilians, including casualties and displacement, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution and humanitarian assistance. The role of external actors, such as Iran and Qatar, in the conflict adds complexity to the situation and requires diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
