It’s a new day in Gaza. This you should know
An Israeli drone attack on tents located in front of the Al-Aqsa medical complex this Sunday caused the death of at least two people, according to a hospital spokesperson. Thousands of displaced people are taking refuge in the hospital compound in central Gaza, along with several teams of journalists working from tents in the area. Al-Aqsa is the only remaining functioning medical facility in the central city of Deir al-Balah.
In the videos shared by journalists you can see how people run to take cover and help the injured. The Israeli military claimed that one of its planes had hit an “Islamic Jihad operational command center and terrorists operating from the courtyard” of the hospital. The Israeli military provided no evidence to support this claim.
In the north, the assault on Al-Shifa hospital – Gaza’s largest medical center – ended after 14 days. Israel claims it killed more than 200 militants at the facility, while Palestinians in and around Al-Shifa have reported civilian casualties and arrests, as well as large-scale destruction. The Gaza Health Ministry says Israel is not allowing the evacuation of patients or medical staff, leaving them trapped without basic resources.
Anti-government protests in Israel: Protesters called before the Israeli Parliament on Sunday for the release of hostages held in Gaza and the dismissal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protests marked the second straight day of mass anti-government demonstrations, after thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Ra’anana and Herzliya on Saturday. At least 16 people were detained, according to Israeli police.
Netanyahu speaks before the operation: Before undergoing hernia surgery this Sunday, Netanyahu rejected calls for early elections, saying they would weaken the war effort. He also reiterated his commitment to the planned ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, saying it was necessary to defeat Hamas. Netanyahu insisted that the delay of the military operation in Rafah had nothing to do with American pressure or the month of Ramadan, and stated that such an operation requires planning time. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital has confirmed that the prime minister’s operation was a success.
Conversations in Egypt: Negotiations on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and a hostage agreement resumed in Cairo. Talks had reached an impasse in recent days, a source told CNN on Wednesday. Its resumption comes against a backdrop of massive protests in cities around the world over the weekend in solidarity with the people of Gaza and to call for a ceasefire in the strip.
Takeover of the Palestinian government: The new Palestinian government has been sworn in amid intense international pressure for the Palestinian Autonomous Government to carry out reforms. The Palestinian Autonomous Government, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has long been considered corrupt by American politicians and many Palestinians.
Aid airdrops: Jordan carried out 10 airdrops of humanitarian aid in northern Gaza this Sunday, according to a statement. Countries are using this faster but less effective method to try to address the hunger crisis in Gaza, while Israel maintains a tight siege on ground deliveries.
World Food Program: WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain urged Israel to make clear where and when more food can be distributed. The WFP needs “full, unrestricted access, and right now we don’t have it” in Gaza, she told CBS on Sunday, adding that the help it does get is “nothing, really.”