The conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants continues in Gaza, despite ongoing cease-fire talks. The latest developments include the firing of rockets by militants at central Israel, the destruction of a Gaza cemetery by the Israeli military, and the suspension of funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) by major donors.
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, over 26,000 Palestinians, mostly women and minors, have been killed since the conflict began. The U.N. aid agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, which plays a crucial role in providing assistance to the region, has faced funding cuts from several Western countries. This comes following allegations that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 attack that sparked the war.
The EU has not suspended its aid to UNRWA and has called for an audit of the agency to ensure that its staff cannot be involved in terrorist activities. The EU's next disbursement of funds is scheduled for the end of February, and it stated that funding decisions will be determined based on the outcome of the investigations into the alleged involvement of UNRWA employees in the attack.
The United Nations is urging all donor countries to prioritize meeting the dire needs of millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for assistance. The outlook for UNRWA and the Palestinians it serves is described as bleak, and the agency is facing significant challenges in delivering essential services. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is actively involved in seeking support for UNRWA and has called for a resumption of donor support.
Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has stated that Israel has gained the upper hand in its battle against Hamas. He claims that half of Hamas' army has been killed or wounded, and that the militants are lacking supplies, ammunition, and reinforcements. The Israeli military continues to engage militants and conduct airstrikes in Gaza, even in areas where they have been operating for months.
In Jordan, a drone strike by an Iran-backed group has killed three U.S. troops. Preliminary accounts suggest that the drone may have been mistaken for an American drone returning to the U.S. installation. U.S. and Mideast mediators, including Qatar's Prime Minister, have made progress in achieving a framework proposal to present to Hamas for a cease-fire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Israel's parliament has held a hearing on whether to expel a lawmaker who supports South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide at the U.N. world court. The lawmaker, Ofer Cassif, has faced reprimand from other lawmakers in the past for his anti-war positions.
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