In recent developments, Israel has escalated its military operations in the southern region of war-torn Gaza. This increase in airstrikes and artillery fire, particularly targeting Khan Younis, comes ahead of a significant humanitarian agreement. The deal, brokered by Qatar and France, involves the exchange of medicines for hostages, aiming to provide relief in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
The conflict in Gaza, which has been ravaging the area since the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, has resulted in approximately 1,140 Israeli deaths, based on official figures and an AFP tally. The Gaza health ministry’s latest figures indicate that at least 24,448 Palestinians have been killed, with about 70 percent being women, children, and adolescents.
Approximately 250 hostages were taken by Hamas and other militants during the initial attacks, with around 132 still remaining in Gaza. The situation of these hostages has become a focal point in Israeli society, while the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by famine and disease threats, has prompted international calls for a ceasefire.
Under the newly announced agreement, Qatar’s foreign ministry stated that medicines, along with other humanitarian aid, would be delivered to civilians in Gaza. In return, medication needed for Israeli captives in Gaza will also be provided. This deal, confirmed by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to see 45 hostages receiving medication.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has welcomed this agreement as a much-needed moment of relief. According to a security source in Egypt, a Qatari plane carrying medicines arrived at al-Arish near the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Wednesday.
The escalation of violence has also impacted the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where recent incidents have escalated to levels not seen since the second Palestinian intifada. In Tulkarm, a city in the northern West Bank, an Israeli strike reportedly killed four people, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, concerns are growing about the potential for an all-out war in the Middle East. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic efforts to mitigate the crisis.
