Over 58,600 children in northern Gaza received their second polio vaccine dose amid a campaign disrupted by Israeli airstrikes and evacuations. The WHO and UNICEF report that around 15,000 children in inaccessible northern areas are at risk of missing the vaccine, compromising the campaign's effectiveness. Despite humanitarian pauses, airstrikes near vaccination centers have injured civilians, highlighting the challenges of conducting health operations in conflict zones.
Israeli warplanes conducted strikes in southern Lebanon ahead of a speech by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, amidst escalating tensions following the killing of Hamas's Saleh al-Arouri. The region has seen increased violence, including deadly blasts in Iran and a U.S. strike in Baghdad, raising concerns of a wider conflict. Despite experts deeming a larger war unlikely, the potential for miscalculated reprisals poses a risk for further escalation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. Nasrallah has promised retaliation for Arouri's death.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to significant displacement in Gaza, with civilians expressing a desire to die with dignity rather than live in dire conditions. The US State Department has noted a discrepancy between Israeli intentions and outcomes regarding civilian protection. UN human rights chief is disturbed by Israeli ministers' comments on resettling Gazans, and ISIS has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Iran. Meanwhile, Israel's defense minister emphasizes the need for a new security reality on the northern border with Lebanon, and Israel has killed a senior member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad in northern Gaza. The IDF has warned Gazans to use alternative routes due to operations in central and southern Gaza, and Israel has struck targets in southern Lebanon after launches by Hezbollah.
Gaza is facing severe devastation as Israeli military operations continue, with artillery shelling and airstrikes on residential areas, including the targeting of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society headquarters. The attacks have resulted in multiple casualties and have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with damage to healthcare infrastructure and shortages of food. The population of 2.4 million is largely displaced, seeking refuge in shelters and makeshift camps. Despite the dire situation, Israel has indicated that the conflict, which escalated following a Hamas attack on October 7, may persist into 2024, with no successful ceasefire negotiations in sight.
Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 35 people, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of "many more months" of conflict ahead. The ongoing war has resulted in over 21,800 Palestinian deaths and a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing 85% of Gaza's population. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel continues its military operations, targeting Hamas' capabilities and ruling out Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza's future governance. Meanwhile, the U.S. has engaged Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, indicating a potential escalation in regional tensions. Israeli citizens are beginning to protest against Netanyahu's leadership and the war, while a potential ceasefire and prisoner swap remain uncertain.
