Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned a parliamentary vote in Israel to allocate additional funds for the ongoing war in Gaza, border attacks with Lebanon, and accommodation for evacuees. Lapid warned that those in favour “will not be forgiven,” and noted that their children will be “ashamed” of them.
The Israeli opposition members argued that the supplementary budget is not exclusively for the war effort but also includes funding for the Settlements and National Projects Ministry, focusing on settlement issues.
Meanwhile, two residential buildings were demolished in overnight Israeli air strikes on southern Gaza’s Rafah, resulting in the death of at least 20 people and numerous injuries. Simultaneously, an Israeli army bombardment in Jenin since Tuesday morning has claimed the lives of at least 11 Palestinians.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that 288 Palestinians seeking refuge in its Gaza facilities have been killed since October 7, with another staff member becoming a casualty, bringing the total to 135. Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since 7 October have now reached 18,608.
The Palestinian Ministry of Education has reported a toll on students, with 3,714 killed and 5,700 injured in Gaza and the occupied West Bank since 7 October.
Patients and remaining medical staff at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza are reportedly forced to gather in the hospital’s yard. Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Gaza-based Islamic Jihad group, claimed its fighters are engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces.
The UK has banned Israeli settlers responsible for violent acts against Palestinians. Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron took to social media to express his stance: “Israel must take stronger action to stop settler violence and hold the perpetrators accountable. We are banning those responsible for settler violence from entering the UK to make sure our country cannot be a home for people who commit these intimidating acts.”
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Israel for high-level meetings. Both the EU and the US consider sanctions and delaying arms sales over concerns about Israeli settler violence.
The Israeli government’s recent approval of 1,700 more housing units in Jerusalem has sparked controversy. The EU considered it a violation of international law.