In a significant move, Israel's parliament passed a law on Monday banning the UN relief agency UNRWA from operating within the country. 🏛️ This decision stems from the involvement of a few UNRWA staff members in the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel and their alleged ties to Hamas and other armed groups.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, strongly criticized the vote, stating that it opposes the UN charter and violates international law. He emphasized on social media, \"This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to #Palestine Refugees.\" 💬
On the same day, Israeli tanks advanced deeper into northern Gaza as part of operations aimed at eliminating regrouping Hamas militants. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported that around 100,000 people are trapped in areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun without access to medical care or food supplies. 🚑🍞 However, these numbers have not been independently verified.
In a related incident, the Israeli military announced the capture of approximately 100 suspected militants during a raid on a hospital in the Jabalia camp. Both Hamas and the hospital authorities have denied the presence of militants in the facility. 🏥⚔️ Meanwhile, Gaza's health ministry reported at least 19 fatalities resulting from Israeli airstrikes and bombardments on Monday.
Ceasefire Talks
Amid the escalating tensions, ceasefire negotiations led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar resumed on Sunday after several unsuccessful attempts. 🕊️ Egypt's president proposed a two-day truce to facilitate the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, followed by discussions within 10 days for a permanent ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that mediators would continue their efforts \"in a continued attempt to advance a deal.\" 🤝
Israel has maintained that the conflict will persist until Hamas is eradicated, while Hamas has declared that fighting will continue until Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. The war has also sparked wider unrest in the Middle East, with Israel targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon and engaging in clashes with Iran. 🚀🇮🇷 At least 16 people were killed in Israeli strikes on three villages in Lebanon's Baalbek, and tensions escalated further when Israeli warplanes bombed Iranian missile production sites in retaliation for an earlier missile attack on Israel.
Iran's Foreign Ministry responded by stating that Tehran would \"use all available tools\" to retaliate, heightening concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict. 🌍🔥
