Day 122: What's Happening?
On the 122nd day of the Israeli war on Gaza, there have been several important developments. These include changes on the ground, political discussions, and a worsening humanitarian situation. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited the region to talk about recent events and a potential agreement between Israel and the Palestinian resistance.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that in the past 24 hours, there were 13 massacres committed by the Israeli occupation, resulting in the deaths of 113 people and 205 injuries. This brings the total number of casualties to 27,478 deaths and 66,835 injuries. The United Nations Rapporteur on the right to health stated that the situation in Gaza violates international humanitarian laws. The blockade on medical personnel and ambulance teams is a major problem.
UNRWA Crisis
The United Nations announced the formation of an independent international committee to evaluate the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This decision came after the United States and other Western countries suspended their funding to the agency. Israel accused some UNRWA employees of participating in an attack on October 7. The European Union warned that cutting funding for the organization puts the lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians at risk. The Israeli Bank Leumi also froze the UNRWA account based on these allegations. However, Qatar has pledged to continue supporting UNRWA and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Political Developments
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the Palestinian territories as part of his regional tour. The US State Department stated that Blinken's goal is to reach an agreement for the release of hostages, a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the region.
Events on the Ground
The Israeli occupation forces continue their incursion into the city of Khan Yunis, using gunfire, artillery shelling, and airstrikes. They have also been demolishing homes in different parts of the city. Al Jazeera obtained footage showing the Al-Qassam Brigades targeting Israeli vehicles and tanks with explosive devices and shells. The Al-Quds Brigades, affiliated with the Islamic Jihad movement, also announced a series of operations against the occupation forces in Gaza City.
Israeli Perspective
The Israeli army reported that 5 soldiers were injured in the past 24 hours, with a total of 356 officers and soldiers currently receiving treatment for their injuries. Since the beginning of the war, 2,825 officers and soldiers have been injured, including 1,302 during the ground battles in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he will not end the war without achieving a "comprehensive victory" to ensure Israel's security. He also emphasized that any deal must be similar to previous agreements. Defense Minister Yoav Galant described the war as complex and vowed to continue military operations in Gaza for the coming months.
West Bank Situation
Settlers in the occupied West Bank have been escalating their attacks on Palestinians. Recently, farmers and shepherds south of Hebron were targeted. The Israeli forces also shot a Palestinian near the Maale Adumim settlement, east of occupied Jerusalem, on suspicion of attempting to stab a soldier. Amnesty International reported that Israeli forces have been engaging in widespread violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the United States' sanctions against settlers, viewing them as directed against Israel.
Other Fronts
In Yemen, the American-British "aggression" targeted the Dune area in Hodeidah Governorate. This follows intense US-British raids on Sanaa and other Yemeni governorates to deter Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Lebanese Hezbollah announced that they targeted the Israeli Al-Samaqa site in the Kafr Shuba hills and the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms, achieving direct hits. Israeli aircraft also launched raids on towns and villages in southern Lebanon. In Syria, American forces have faced three attacks since their strikes in Iraq and Syria. Since October 17, there have been a total of 169 attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria.
Source: Al Jazeera + agencies
