Israeli troops are carrying out what they describe as 'precise operations' at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza in an effort to thwart terrorism, according to the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), also known as Shin Bet.
Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal reported that the hospital is currently 'besieged' by Israeli forces, while Israel claims that the site is being used by 'senior Hamas terrorists.'
Thousands of individuals are seeking shelter within the hospital complex and are facing dire conditions.
Latest Headlines:
Warnings about Hunger: A United Nations-backed report has warned of an impending famine in northern Gaza between now and May. UN human rights chief Volker Turk has raised concerns that Israel's restrictions on aid into Gaza could potentially constitute the war crime of starvation. The World Health Organization has also issued a stark warning about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the strip, highlighting that a growing number of infants are at risk of acute hunger.
Rafah Operation: US and Israeli officials are expected to convene in Washington to explore alternatives to a planned military ground offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million displaced individuals are currently seeking refuge.
Ceasefire Talks: Following one day of indirect talks in Qatar, an Israeli delegation departed without a breakthrough in a ceasefire-hostages deal. However, mediators remain cautiously optimistic about the resumption of discussions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt this week for further talks.
Hostages: The IDF has initiated a campaign offering cash rewards to Palestinians in Gaza in exchange for information regarding Israeli hostages. This move was communicated via text messages to individuals in the region.
In the Occupied West Bank: The Israeli Security Agency reported that a Palestinian man was shot and killed at the Gush Etzion intersection south of Jerusalem after opening fire on personnel. Palestinian sources indicated that another Palestinian man was seriously injured by Israeli forces near the Gush Etzion junction, with his condition yet to be confirmed.
