The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported 40,000 cases of Hepatitis A in shelters across the Gaza Strip since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza in October. This public health crisis adds to the existing humanitarian challenges faced by the enclave, already suffering from Israel’s attack on hospitals and blockade of essential resources and medical supplies.
Hopes for a ceasefire among Palestinians were dashed following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. The killing of Haniyeh, a key figure in the Palestinian resistance movement, occurred in Tehran and has sparked widespread outrage. Thousands gathered in Doha, Qatar, to mourn his death, and Hamas has declared a day of “roaring anger,” urging protests against what it describes as a “cowardly crime of assassination,” which it attributes to Israel.
The assassination of Haniyeh has intensified regional tensions, with Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, declaring a “new phase” in the resistance against Israeli occupation and aggression. This follows the death of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli attack on Beirut. Nasrallah warned of a significant response, and Israeli forces are reportedly on high alert, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirming the country’s readiness for any scenario.
In a related development, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant met with British Defence Secretary John Healey to discuss enhancing security ties and intelligence cooperation. Gallant emphasised the importance of forming a coalition to protect Israel from threats posed by Iran and its proxies, particularly in light of recent events.
Iran has vowed to retaliate for Haniyeh’s assassination, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The French government has advised its nationals in Iran to leave immediately due to the escalating risk, echoing similar warnings from other countries. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a reprimand to Turkey after its embassy lowered its flag to half-staff during Haniyeh’s funeral.
In the latest violent attacks, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian journalists, Ismail al-Ghoul and Rami al-Rifi, in Gaza City. Al-Ghoul, known for his work with Al Jazeera, was reportedly wearing a press vest when he was killed. These deaths bring the total number of journalists killed by Israel to 113, a record high in recent memory for any global conflict.
Since the war on Gaza began in October, Israel, with unconditional support from the United States, United Kingdom and other Western nations, has killed at least 39,480 Palestinians, including 16,314 children, and wounded 91,128 others.