In a recent report by Israeli media outlet Walla, it has been revealed that Israel’s planned invasion of Gaza has been postponed until after the visit of US President Joe Biden. The expected ground assault, which was initially imminent, has now been delayed to an “unknown date,” with expectations that it will take place once President Biden has left the country.
Meanwhile, Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza, has announced the death of a senior armed commander. Ayman Nofal was killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza, according to the group. Nofal held significant positions within Hamas, serving as a member of the General Military Council and as the commander of the Central Brigade in the al-Qassam Brigades, which is the armed wing of Hamas. The militant group conveyed this information through a statement on the messaging app Telegram, describing Nofal’s death as a result of a “barbaric Zionist bombing” targeting the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.
As supplies of water in Gaza continue to dwindle, the United Kingdom has called on Israel to allow water into the region. The prime minister’s official spokesperson emphasised that the government is actively engaged in discussions with Israel and is committed to ensuring that any actions taken are in accordance with international law. The UK government aims to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recognises the pivotal role water plays in relieving the dire situation. Aid workers have warned of an imminent collapse in the territory due to the decreasing supplies of water and medicine. With taps running dry, many people have been forced to ration the limited clean water available, while others have resorted to consuming contaminated water, posing a serious risk of disease transmission. Israel has maintained its blockade of food, fuel, and water, emphasising that it will continue until Hamas releases all hostages.
Health authorities estimate that approximately 1,200 people, including 500 minors, are currently trapped under the rubble in Gaza following recent attacks. Distress calls received by authorities have highlighted the desperate pleas for help from victims. Mohammed Abu Selmia, the general director of Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical center, expressed the frustration of medics who are unable to provide immediate aid due to the destruction of infrastructure. Residents like Ali Ahad have taken it upon themselves to search through the debris, using blankets to extract injured individuals. However, the lack of infrastructure and limited capacity present significant challenges to their efforts.
In response to Israeli air raids, the Red Cross has mobilised to the town of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon to collect four bodies. The casualties, whether civilians or soldiers, remain unclear. The area has witnessed intensified shelling due to escalating fire exchanges at the Israel-Lebanon border. Tragically, Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah lost his life near Alma al-Shaab, while several other reporters, including two from Al Jazeera, sustained injuries in an Israeli attack.
During a press conference in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Jordan’s King Abdullah made it unequivocally clear that his country is not prepared to receive Palestinian refugees. He emphasised that there will be no refugees in Jordan or Egypt, considering it a red line. King Abdullah expressed concerns that certain parties may attempt to create de facto issues on the ground and stressed the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza from within the territory itself.
