GAZA CITY: Israel intensified its airstrikes on the south of Gaza, particularly targeting Khan Younis, ahead of the anticipated delivery of medicines for hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid. The night in Khan Younis was described as the most difficult and intense since the start of the ongoing conflict, with the health ministry reporting a total of 81 deaths during the past 24 hours across the Palestinian territory.
The escalation follows an agreement brokered by Qatar and France, allowing the delivery of medicines to hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid entering Gaza. The deal, confirmed by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to provide medication to 45 hostages in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross welcomed the agreement as a much-needed moment of relief.
A Qatari plane carrying medicines arrived at El-Arish near the Rafah border crossing, with the drugs set to be sent to a hospital in Rafah and transferred to the hostages through the Red Cross. The fate of hostages has been a focal point in Israeli society, while the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza has spurred international calls for a ceasefire.
Mass Displacement in Gaza Amid Israeli Bombardment
As the conflict continues, displacing a significant portion of Gaza’s population, and with fears of a wider war looming, the situation remains critical. Anti-war protests in Tel Aviv have called for an end to the siege, emphasizing the civilian toll and urging a diplomatic resolution. The Israeli public pressure for the return of hostages persists, with officials maintaining that military pressure is necessary for any potential deal.
Meanwhile, violence has surged in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with reports of casualties in Tulkarem and an Israeli airstrike killing a top Palestinian militant in Nablus. The overall situation raises concerns about the potential for an all-out war across the Middle East, with regional actors becoming increasingly involved in the ongoing conflict.
