The Israeli military continued its assaults on the Gaza Strip Wednesday, despite rising international condemnation. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 82 people lost their lives in the latest wave of strikes.
On Tuesday, Israel allowed a number of humanitarian trucks into Gaza, but the aid hasn’t been able to reach those in need yet.
Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN Humanitarian Agency, mentioned that one truck meant for southern Gaza hasn’t been collected from the Kerem Shalom border crossing by local authorities.
UN spokesperson Stephen Dujarric stated on Tuesday that while some aid entered Gaza, it was soon transferred to different trucks. Consequently, workers struggled to deliver supplies to the designated areas.
Israeli defense agencies overseeing humanitarian efforts indicated that a truck had crossed into Gaza Wednesday morning. However, it was unclear whether the aid would be distributed further into the territory. The UN’s Palestinian refugee agency reported that its staff waited for hours to retrieve aid from the border, only to find themselves unable to do so.
Despite some local Israeli activists opposing the distribution of assistance, tensions remained as hostages tried to obstruct the trucks carrying supplies on Wednesday morning.
In Jenin, a city in the West Bank under Israeli control, Palestinian authorities claimed that a group of diplomats came under fire during an official visit aimed at assessing the humanitarian situation. An anonymous aid worker shared that about 20 diplomats, from various local and European backgrounds, were close to the entrance when gunfire erupted, but fortunately, no one was injured.
Israeli forces asserted that the diplomatic group had strayed from their approved route, resulting in warning shots being fired to steer them away. The military later expressed regret and stated that they would communicate with the nations represented in the delegation.
Reports showed diplomats seeking cover as shots rang out. Kaja Karas, the head of EU foreign policy, denounced the gunfire as unacceptable and called for an investigation from Israel. Similarly, Italy demanded answers concerning their diplomats’ involvement in the incident.
Since the beginning of this year, Jenin has seen considerable pressure from Israeli troops amidst rising tensions following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in severe collateral damage and displacement of thousands.
Internationally, the UK paused trade discussions with Israel amid ongoing violence. This move followed commitments from Canada, France, and the UK to take effective steps against the conflict. Separately, the European Union is contemplating an agreement affecting trade relations with Israel based on the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Israel maintains its stance that any cessation of hostilities would come only after defeating Hamas and securing the return of all hostages. Conversely, Hamas is prepared to release hostages, provided Israel withdraws completely and the conflict ceases, rejecting demands for disarmament and exile.
Israel announced it would substitute a senior representative in ongoing ceasefire discussions in Doha with a lower-ranking official, highlighting significant differences between both negotiating sides.
Meanwhile, attacks in Gaza have persisted. In Khan Yunis, where Israel has ordered evacuations in anticipation of escalated confrontations, 24 people were killed, including 14 from the same family. Just a week prior, a baby was reported dead in central Gaza.
Israeli forces, while not providing detailed comments on these strikes, stated their targets included Hamas’s infrastructure and alleged that militants were operating from civilian areas.
With many of Gaza’s two million residents facing potential starvation, aid organizations reported delivering meager rations, like thin soup. One aid recipient lamented, “We’re not looking for a charity kitchen. Even dogs wouldn’t eat this, let alone kids.”
Pope Leo XIV, addressing the public at St. Peters Square, urged for assistance to reach the people of Gaza and called for an end to the heartbreaking sacrifices faced by civilians.
Reports indicate that Israeli troops have encircled two of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza, blocking entry and exit for patients and staff.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appealed to global leaders for urgent intervention to lift the siege on Gaza during a visit to Beirut. He emphasized the need to end the suffering against the Palestinian people, proclaiming their determination to remain in their homeland.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s unprecedented attack, leading to significant casualties, primarily among civilians, and resulting in reports indicating widespread deaths and destruction, predominantly affecting women and children.
