Palestine Red Crescent Society reported heavy Israeli gunfire during a raid on al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis. Nasser and al-Amal hospitals have been under Israeli military siege for days. Qatar’s Prime Minister cautioned a broader regional conflict unless the Israeli siege in Gaza concludes soon.
Palestinian envoy to the UN Security Council, Riyad Mansour, stressed the necessity of a Gaza ceasefire to implement the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures. Since 7 October, Israel has killed 27,019 Palestinians, most of whom were women and children, and wounded 66,139.
Meanwhile, reports say Hamas has received a ceasefire proposal from mediators. While the group is unlikely to reject the proposal, it seeks assurances from Israel committing to an end to the war. A positive response from Hamas is anticipated, although a decisive agreement may not be immediate. The proposed agreement envisions a phased approach, including a 40-day ceasefire, the release of remaining civilians held by Hamas, and subsequent phases involving the release of Israeli soldiers and the transfer of deceased captives.
The Israeli military, in the past few hours, has intensified operations in Khan Younis, particularly around hospitals, alleging that medical facilities are being used as Hamas headquarters. Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis was reportedly stormed, resulting in at least ten people critically injured. Evacuation zones to the west continue to be targeted by the Israeli military. Reports suggest a tactical withdrawal from Gaza City, described by the army as a strategic move along a specific axis.
Simultaneously, Yemen’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak urged the EU to increase pressure on Houthi fighters due to their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Bin Mubarak proposed designating the Houthis as a terrorist group to exert more pressure, criticising the current approach for failing to deter Houthi actions.
In response to Houthi disruptions, the US and the UK launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The EU plans to launch its own Red Sea naval mission by mid-February to protect ships in the region.