Recent Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, as reported by Palestinian medics on Monday. One strike targeted a tent camp in the Muwasi area, designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel, claiming the lives of eight people, including two children. The Israeli military maintains that its strikes are aimed solely at militants, alleging that they often hide among civilians. In a statement, the military indicated that it had targeted a Hamas militant within the humanitarian zone.
The conflict began when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, with around 250 individuals taken hostage. Presently, about 100 captives remain in Gaza, with an estimated third believed to have perished.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israel's air and ground offensive has led to the deaths of over 45,200 Palestinians. The ministry notes that more than half of the casualties are women and children, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. In contrast, the Israeli military claims to have eliminated over 17,000 militants, although evidence supporting this assertion has not been provided.
General Strike in Jenin
In Jenin, a town in the northern West Bank, Palestinians are observing a general strike following a rare crackdown by Palestinian security forces. Reports of gunfire and explosions suggest clashes between militants and security forces, with shops shuttered in the city. The strike was called by militant groups in protest against the security forces' actions, which they perceive as supporting Israel's occupation.
The Palestinian Authority, despite being internationally recognized, faces significant unpopularity among Palestinians due to its cooperation with Israel on security matters. The authority has attributed a recent attack on its security forces to 'outlaws' and reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order while refusing to police the occupation.
Lebanon's Ceasefire Deal
Lebanon's caretaker prime minister has embarked on a tour of military positions in the country's south, following a ceasefire agreement that concluded the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The visit aims to oversee the gradual deployment of Lebanese soldiers as part of the deal, with both Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops expected to withdraw by the agreement's deadline.
The Lebanese government has expressed concerns over ongoing Israeli activities within its borders and emphasized the importance of Israel's complete withdrawal from the encroached lands. The ceasefire deal is anticipated to bring additional funding to bolster the Lebanese military's capabilities, particularly in the southern region where Hezbollah previously maintained a presence.
Despite not engaging in combat, the Lebanese military suffered casualties during Israeli strikes in the south. The government is hopeful that increased funding post-ceasefire will enhance the military's ability to fulfill its duties effectively.
