The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has once again escalated, leading to the tragic loss of lives. In the most recent development, two more individuals were killed in Israeli raids in the West Bank. This incident underscores the continuing volatility and high tensions in the region, marking another chapter in a conflict that has persisted for decades.
The Incident
The recent deaths occurred during a series of raids conducted by Israeli forces in the West Bank. Reports indicate that these operations were part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to curb what it describes as militant activities. The raids targeted specific locations and individuals deemed threats by Israeli authorities. However, these actions have resulted in significant casualties, drawing criticism from various international and human rights organizations.
The Broader Context
The conflict between Israel and Gaza has its roots in longstanding political, territorial, and ideological disputes. It is a conflict characterized by periodic escalations that lead to loss of life, destruction of property, and significant psychological trauma for civilians on both sides. The West Bank, although geographically separate from Gaza, has been a critical part of this conflict, with Israeli settlements and military presence contributing to the tension.
The recent killings in the West Bank come amidst heightened hostilities between Israel and Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza. Rocket fire from Gaza and airstrikes by Israel have intensified, leading to casualties, injuries, and widespread fear among civilians. The situation has prompted calls for ceasefires and peace negotiations from the international community, although achieving lasting peace remains elusive.
International Reaction
The international community has responded with concern and condemnation of the violence. The United Nations and several countries have called for restraint and urged both sides to avoid actions that could further escalate the situation. There is a growing call for renewed peace talks aimed at achieving a long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Human rights organizations have also raised alarms about the impact of these raids on civilians, urging for accountability and protection of human rights.
Humanitarian Impact
The ongoing conflict and recent raids have significantly impacted the humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza. Civilians, including women and children, are often caught in the crossfire, leading to casualties, psychological trauma, and displacement. The healthcare infrastructure in these regions, already strained, is struggling to cope with the influx of injured individuals. Access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies is also becoming increasingly challenging, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Disabled Palestinian shot dead by sniper in Nour Shams refugee camp
A disabled man was killed in his home in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, as the Israeli army launched a large-scale raid and ordered residents to leave.
Ayed Mahmoud Nimer Abu Al Haija, 62, was shot by sniper in Nour Shams refugee camp, near the city of Tulkarm, the official Palestinian Wafa news agency reported, citing local sources.
His whereabouts had been unknown until his family returned home to find him “covered in blood”, reported Wafa.
He was one of 12 people killed across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday.
Ambulance crews were unable to remove his body amid a continued siege on the camp. The Israeli army issued a forced displacement order giving residents four hours to move out.
Palestinian dies of wounds after Israeli raid on Jenin
A Palestinian man died overnight of wounds sustained in raid by the Israeli army on the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday, the official Palestinian Wafa news agency reported.
Firas Bassam Alaqma, 35, a member of the Palestinian Authority’s security force, was shot and critically wounded in Jenin’s Al Hadaf neighbourhood. He was pronounced dead at the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin.
His death takes to 12 the number of Palestinians killed in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas on Wednesday.
More than 20 people were wounded, according to Wafa, as Israel launched a large-scale attack on the occupied West Bank.
These prompted widespread condemnation, including from the UN and neighbouring Jordan.
Soldiers shoot at ‘everything that moves’ in West Bank refugee camp
An Israeli army raid continues on the occupied West Bank city of Tulkarm and the Nour Shams refugee camp, where local media has reported a “tight siege” and soldiers firing randomly at local residents.
Soldiers “are firing randomly at everything that moves in the camp,” a local correspondent told the official Wafa news agency from Nour Shams, where Israeli forces continue to besiege the Shahid Thabet and Israa Specialised hospitals.
Snipers have been deployed to the roofs of buildings across the camp and Tulkarm city, with drones flying at low altitude, homes raided and searched, and shells fired at residential buildings.
Twelve people were killed, at least 26 wounded, and 30 arrested in a large-scale army operation in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, with raids reported in Tulkarm, Tubas and Jenin.
Israel making it ‘deliberately impossible’ for aid groups in Gaza
Israeli restrictions have created a “deliberately impossible” environment for aid organisations to address Gaza’s humanitarian needs, the head of a group working in the Palestinian enclave said on Thursday.
Speaking on her third visit to Gaza since the war began last October, Arwa Damon, founder of non-governmental organisation the International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance said aid has become “even more limited than it already was”.
Every time she returns, the humanitarian reality is more brutal, said Ms Damon, a former CNN correspondent.
After 20 years of covering war and violence as a journalist and as a humanitarian, Ms Damon said she had become adept at finding solutions to logistical problems.
“Working in Gaza is excruciating. Finding a solution is almost impossible 90 per cent of the time. Our wins are so minuscule it’s almost laughable,” she said.
This is because humanitarian aid does not enter Gaza without Israeli approval.
“And when it does get cleared by Israel, aid gets dumped as a box that we can’t safely pick up,” said Ms Damon.
UN leader calls for immediate stop in Israeli operations in West Bank
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said he was “deeply concerned” about Israeli military action in the West Bank and demanded “an immediate cessation of these operations”.
The Israeli army overnight announced a large military operation in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas of the occupied West Bank, with orders of forced evictions and some deaths reported by Palestinian health officials.
“He calls on Israel to comply with its relevant obligations under international humanitarian law and to take measures to protect civilians and ensure their safety,” Mr Guterres’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
“He urges security forces to exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable to protect life.”
In reference to reports of limited access to health care, Mr Dujarric said: “All those injured must have access to medical care, and humanitarian workers must be able to reach everyone in need.
“These dangerous developments are fueling an already explosive situation in the occupied West Bank and further undermining the Palestinian Authority.”
Mr Guterres insisted that “only an end to the occupation and a return to a meaningful political process that will establish a two-state solution will bring an end to the violence,” Mr Dujarric said.
Region rails against Israeli minister’s call for Palestinians to be evicted from West Bank
Nations from across the Middle East have criticised an order to evict Palestinians from the West Bank, made by Israel’s Foreign Minister on Wednesday.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for the eviction of Palestinians from areas in the north of the occupied West Bank where the military was conducting an offensive on Wednesday.
Mr Katz said Israeli forces operating in Jenin, Tulkarm and other areas were working to dismantle an Iranian-backed network being built up in the area.
“We need to deal with the [terror] threat exactly as we deal with terror infrastructure in Gaza, including the temporary evacuation of Palestinian civilians and any other step needed,” he said in a post on Wednesday.
Lebanon security source says Israel strike hit Hezbollah missile lorry
A Lebanese security source said Wednesday that an overnight Israeli air strike hit a lorry loaded with Hezbollah missiles, days after a major flare-up between the regional foes.
The Israeli military said it had no comment.
The Lebanese source said “the Israeli air force targeted two Hezbollah lorries” about 10km from Baalbek, a stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group in eastern Lebanon.
“One of the vehicles was hit and a series of explosions were heard in the area,” the source said.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said one person was wounded in the strike late on Tuesday.
A source close to Hezbollah confirmed the hit and said “the munitions which were inside the lorry caught fire”.
Houthis agree to allow rescue ships to aid damaged oil tanker in Red Sea
Yemen’s Houthis have agreed to a temporary truce to allow rescue ships to reach the damaged Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea, Iran’s mission to the UN said on Wednesday.
“Following the outbreak of a fire on the targeted oil tanker, which was carrying oil for the [Israeli] regime, and the subsequent environmental hazards, several countries have reached out to ask Ansarullah [another name for the Houthis], requesting a temporary truce for the entry of tugboats and rescue ships into the incident area,” the Iranian mission said.
“In consideration of humanitarian and environmental concerns, Ansarullah has consented to this request.
“The failure to provide aid and prevent an oil spill in the Red Sea stems from the negligence of certain countries, rather than concerns over the possibility of being targeted.”
The Pentagon said on Tuesday that the Sounion, which was recently attacked by the Houthis, is still on fire in the Red Sea and now appears to be leaking oil.
The Houthis are backed by Tehran and allied with Hamas. The group has vowed to “support Palestine and hinder the transfer of fuel” to Israel.
World Food Programme suspends Gaza travel after convoy hit by shots
The World Food Programme said on Wednesday that it is pausing the movements of staff in Gaza until further notice, after a team from the UN agency came under fire on August 27, metres from an Israeli checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza bridge.
The team was returning from a mission to Karam Abu Salem in two armoured vehicles after escorting a convoy of lorries carrying humanitarian cargo to central Gaza.
Despite being clearly marked and having received several clearances from Israeli authorities to approach, the vehicle was struck by gunfire as it moved towards a checkpoint, the UN said.
It was hit at least 10 times, five times on the driver’s side, two on the passenger side and three on other parts.
Israeli army says body of soldier killed on October 7 recovered from Gaza
The Israeli army on Wednesday said it had recovered the body of a soldier who was killed and taken to the Gaza Strip during the Hamas-led attack on October 7.
The army said the soldier’s name will not be published at the request of his family.
“The effort took place over several months, and consisted of intelligence gathering and analysis that worked to generate a single assessment,” it said of the recovery operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the army and security agencies for “their important action”.
“This evening our forces returned home the remains of a fallen soldier whose name has not been released for publication,” he said.
“The fighter fell in a heroic battle on October 7 while defending the communities of the Western Negev.”
Jordan calls Israel’s expansion of war in West Bank ‘dangerous escalation’
Jordan has strongly condemned Israel’s “barbaric” attacks on the northern West Bank cities of Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm on Wednesday, which left scores dead and injured.
“Israel’s expansion of its war against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank is a dangerous escalation that must be stopped,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“We again urge the [UN] Security Council, the EU, the US and all other members of the international community to act firmly and immediately to end this aggression.
“The region and its security must not remain hostage to the radicalism of this Israeli government. International law must be applied.”
Israeli operation in West Bank risks ‘deepening catastrophic situation’
Israel’s extensive military operation in the occupied West Bank “risks seriously deepening the already catastrophic situation” in the Palestinian territory, the UN warned on Wednesday.
“Israel’s operations in Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm today, and the killing of at least nine Palestinians, two of them reportedly children, take the overall death toll in the West Bank since October 7 to 637,” said UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani.
“This represents the highest number of fatalities over a period of eight months since the UN first started recording casualties in the West Bank two decades ago.”
Violence has surged in the West Bank amid the Gaza war.
Ms Shamdasani said thousands of Palestinians had been arbitrarily arrested and tortured, subjected to displacement and unrelenting settler violence, and severe restrictions on movement and expression, with their homes and property destroyed or seized.
‘She calls for her mother’: The tragic tale of Gaza’s orphaned children
In the rubble of a Gaza home partially destroyed by Israeli shelling, the cry of a baby rings out. One-year-old Farah knows the word “mummy” but to no avail – her tears won’t be soothed by her parents.
She is one of an estimated 19,000 children who have been separated from their parents or are unaccompanied in the Gaza Strip, according to Unicef figures.
Many parents like Farah’s have been killed in the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 40,500 people since October, local health authorities say.
Some of the children are left to fend for themselves; others are taken in by family members young and old.
Farah and her two siblings, Suhail, 9, and Warda, 4, were the only members of their immediate family left after a bombing on their home in Gaza’s northern Beit Lahia.
Their parents and two of their siblings were killed in the attack in November.
Arab League condemns Israel’s attacks in West Bank
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, has condemned Israel’s latest military operation in the occupied West Bank.
Mr Aboul Gheit’s spokesman, Gamal Roshdy, said: “Raids, brutal assaults and killings perpetrated by Israel in the cities of the northern West Bank, coupled with the destruction of infrastructure and the siege of hospitals, represent a perilous escalation aimed at subjugating the Palestinian people.”
He also condemned statements made by extremist ministers in the Israeli government concerning Al Aqsa Mosque.
“Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians everywhere,” Mr Roshdy said.
The latest raid aimed to make Palestinian lives unbearable, whether in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip, he said.
Mr Aboul Gheit held the US responsible for enabling “escalating Israeli arrogance” in the region and demanded it take a clear stance on the recent military operation in the West Bank.
UN Security Council renews peacekeeping force in Lebanon for another year
The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to renew the mandate of the peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon for another year, urging the “relevant actors” to restore “calm, restraint and stability” to the region.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or Unifil, along with the Lebanese army, is responsible for ensuring the area between the Litani River and the southern border with Israel is “free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons” other than those belonging to the government.
The text also insists on the full implementation of a 2006 resolution demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, stating “that further escalation carries the high risk of leading to a widespread conflict”.
UN reports on Unifil’s activities say the peacekeeping force has continued operating inside Lebanon since October, when Hezbollah increased its attacks against Israel in solidarity with Hamas.
Turkey condemns Israel’s deadly operation in West Bank
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s latest operation in the occupied West Bank that killed at least nine people, describing the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as “the main threat to international security”.
“We strongly condemn the illegal operation launched by Israel in the West Bank and the statement of the Israeli Foreign Minister, that will carry the practices in Gaza to the West Bank.”
Turkey has applied to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and has cut off trade with Israel over the war in Gaza.
Israel’s central bank holds key interest rates unchanged
The Bank of Israel kept interest rates steady on Wednesday, as part of efforts to stabilise the financial markets and support economic activity, as the Gaza war rages on.
The monetary committee left the interest rate unchanged at 4.5 per cent.
“Since the outbreak of the war, and in recent months in particular, geopolitical uncertainty and its economic ramifications have increased,” the bank’s committee said in a statement.
“These, alongside the fiscal uncertainty, are also reflected in the high yield spreads between Israeli government bonds and US bonds, and in CDS [credit default swap] spreads that are near record levels.”
Inflation has been increasing steadily in recent months and is currently “slightly above” the upper limit of the target range, the committee added.
US issues new sanctions on Israeli citizen and NGO over violence
The US State Department on Wednesday announced new sanctions on an Israeli citizen and NGO connected to violence in the occupied West Bank.
“As part of the United States’ efforts to address the extreme levels of instability and violence against civilians in the West Bank, we are taking additional actions today against those who engage in or provide material support for violent activities there,” a statement from State Department spokesman Matthew Miller read.
Hashomer Yosh, an NGO the US accuses of providing material support to previously sanctioned people and groups, was named in the latest measures imposed.
“After all 250 Palestinian residents of Khirbet Zanuta were forced to leave in late January, Hashomer Yosh volunteers fenced off the village to prevent the residents from returning,” the statement said.
“The volunteers also provided support by grazing the herds and purporting to ‘guard’ the outposts of US-designated individuals.”
Also named was Yitzhak Levi Filant, a civilian security co-ordinator of the Yitzhar settlement.
The State Department said the US would continue to take action to promote accountability for those committing or supporting violence in the West Bank.
Fate of Gaza ceasefire deal in Hamas leader’s hands, says US intelligence official
The fate of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is “largely a question that is going to be answered” by the leader of the Palestinian militant group, deputy CIA director David Cohen said on Wednesday.
Mr Cohen did not refer to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by name. The Israelis were showing seriousness in the negotiations, he told an intelligence and national security summit in Washington.
Mediators from the US, Egypt and Qatar have been working to strike a deal between the sides and prevent a broader regional war.
On those efforts, Mr Cohen said: “There may be episodes where people would step back from the brink but I don’t think anybody can be confident that that effort to control escalation is something that … any party in that region” can control.
Jordan condemns Israeli plan to fund Jewish visits to Al Aqsa Mosque
Jordan has condemned a plan by an Israeli ministry to fund Jewish visits to the Al Aqsa Mosque complex, the holy site central to the Palestinian struggle for Jerusalem, and called for UN Security Council action to curb what it labelled illegal Israeli measures on an “explosive” issue.
Israel’s Ministry of Heritage announced plans on Tuesday to finance tours for Jews and tourists to the compound, which contains Al Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites. The Israeli police had approved the plans, according to public broadcaster Kan.
The announcement came a day after Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he “would put an Israeli flag” in the complex and build a synagogue there if he could. The UAE and Egypt, which has a formal peace treaty with Israel, condemned his remarks.
They were followed late on Tuesday by Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Foreign Minister, who said on X that the UN Security Council must act to “stop the illegal Israeli measures that violate the historical and legal status quo at occupied Jerusalem’s holy sites … before it is too late”.
The deaths of two more individuals in the Israeli raids in the West Bank are a grim reminder of the high human cost of the Israel-Gaza conflict. As the situation remains tense, the need for diplomatic intervention and efforts towards a peaceful resolution is more urgent than ever. The international community, regional stakeholders, and the conflicting parties must work together to find a way out of this cycle of violence and towards a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully.
Now more than ever, it is crucial for the global community to advocate for peace and support initiatives that aim to resolve the conflict through dialogue and negotiation. The voices of those affected by this conflict must be heard, and their rights protected. The world must not remain silent in the face of such suffering. It is time for concerted efforts to bring about a lasting peace that respects the dignity and aspirations of all people involved.
