The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed new sanctions on Iran following concerns over its retaliatory attack on Israel. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has targeted 16 individuals and two entities in Iran linked to the production of drone engines used in the attack. Additionally, the UK has aimed its sanctions at Iranian military organisations, individuals, and entities involved in the drone and ballistic missile industries. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen vowed further actions against Iran, signalling a continued escalation in response to perceived provocations.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a Palestinian request for full UN membership. However, the United States, Israel’s staunchest ally, is expected to block this move.
In its most recent attacks in Gaza, Israeli forces have killed 11 Palestinians, including five children, in a series of attacks on southern Rafah. The strikes come as 1.5 million displaced Palestinians fear an imminent Israeli ground invasion, which is expected to further increase civilian death toll.
In its ongoing war on Gaza which began on 7 October, Israel has killed at least 33,970 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded 76,770 others.
As Israel moves forward with the military strikes, health workers have uncovered 30 bodies buried in front of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Salama Maarouf, head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, has accused the Israeli army of deliberately killing and concealing bodies under waste and sand. Among the recovered bodies, 12 have been identified. Maarouf said that victims were handcuffed and stripped, indicating executions.
