The Israeli military stated that it has “operational control” over two areas of central Gaza as it conducts ground incursions and airstrikes, possibly expanding its ongoing war against Hamas. The army reported on Wednesday that it was engaged in combat “above and below ground” in eastern sections of Deir al-Balah and the Bureij refugee camp.
In Jerusalem, a large group of mainly ultranationalist Israelis marched through a sensitive Palestinian area of the city, escalating already heightened tensions by chanting “Death to Arabs.”
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the flow of essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other goods to Palestinians has been severely restricted, leading to widespread hunger. International mediators are awaiting responses from Israel and Hamas regarding a new cease-fire and hostage release proposal, according to Qatar, which has been involved in negotiations along with Egypt and the United States.
The death toll in Gaza from Israel’s conflict with Hamas has surpassed 36,000 Palestinians, as reported by the Health Ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
The war was initiated by Israel following Hamas’ attack on October 7, in which militants entered southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians, and around 250 abductions. It is believed that approximately 80 hostages taken on October 7 are still alive in Gaza, with the remains of 43 others also in the region.
Some current developments include:
— A new report warns of a possible famine in northern Gaza despite recent aid efforts.
— Updates on the ongoing Gaza hostage crisis for Israeli citizens.
— Israel’s raids in a West Bank refugee camp are fueling the militancy that they are trying to suppress.
— A gunman has been captured after a shootout outside the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon.
— A rights group alleges that Israel has used white phosphorous in Lebanon, hitting residential buildings.
For the latest news on the Gaza conflict, visit https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Here are the most recent updates:
11 People Wounded in Northern Israel by Launches from Lebanon
Israel’s Magen David Adom paramedic service reported that 11 individuals, including one critically wounded, were affected after fire from Lebanon hit a village in northern Israel.
MDA director Eli Bin stated that the incident occurred in Hurfeish, a village close to Israel’s border with Lebanon.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group claimed responsibility for launching an explosive drone towards a gathering of military officials in response to an earlier Israeli attack.
The Israeli military confirmed that several launches from Lebanon landed in the area but did not specify the nature of the projectiles. The strike occurred without prior air raid sirens.
Since Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israel and Hezbollah have been engaging in regular exchanges of fire, leading to displacement and heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
The attack on Hurfeish followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the border area, where he pledged to restore calm in the north.
Netanyahu Vows ‘Intense Action’ on Lebanese Border
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is prepared to take “very intense action” along its northern border with Lebanon, where clashes with the militant group Hezbollah have been ongoing.
Netanyahu visited the area to receive briefings from military officials, emphasizing the need to restore security in the region.
Hezbollah started targeting Israeli positions on October 8, a day after Hamas’ initial attack that triggered the Gaza conflict. Tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been escalating, raising concerns of a wider regional war.
Netanyahu faced pressure to address the violence in the north, which has caused displacement and casualties on both sides of the border.
The ongoing hostilities have led to casualties in Lebanon, including fighters and civilians, as well as Israeli soldiers and civilians since October.
Israel and Hezbollah previously engaged in a conflict in 2006, and the group is believed to possess a significant arsenal of rockets that can reach deep into Israeli territory.
Israeli Nationalists March in Jerusalem, Some Chanting ‘Death to Arabs’
Thousands of predominantly ultranationalist Israelis participated in an annual march through a sensitive Palestinian area of Jerusalem, with some participants chanting “Death to Arabs,” further inflaming tensions.
The “Jerusalem Day” march commemorates Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem in the 1967 war, encompassing the Old City and sites sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Marchers also voiced anti-Islamic slogans near Damascus Gate, a significant location for Palestinians in east Jerusalem.
The event has previously contributed to violence, including sparking a war with Hamas three years ago.
Palestinians perceive the march as provocative, and preparations included closing Palestinian shops in the Muslim Quarter.
Law enforcement ensured that the march did not enter the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a holy site for Muslims. However, concerns remain due to past incidents of conflict surrounding the location.
Explosion Near Commercial Ship in Red Sea, U.K. Military Reports
An explosion occurred near a commercial ship in the Red Sea, with the vessel sustaining no damage, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center.
No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, but suspicions point to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have targeted ships amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Doctors Without Borders Reports at Least 70 Killed in Central Gaza Since Tuesday
Doctors Without Borders stated that at least 70 individuals have died and 300 have been wounded, primarily women and children, due to a wave of Israeli strikes in central Gaza since Tuesday.
The organization highlighted the challenges faced by Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in treating the large influx of patients with severe injuries.
Israeli military confirmed the launch of new air and ground operations in central Gaza, specifically targeting Deir al-Balah and Bureij refugee camp.
A medical adviser with Doctors Without Borders expressed the overwhelming situation faced by the hospital, with numerous patients requiring urgent care.
Israel contends that it aims to minimize civilian casualties and holds Hamas responsible for placing combatants, tunnels, and rocket launchers in densely populated areas.
U.N. Agencies Warn of Potential Starvation for Over 1 Million Palestinians
United Nations agencies cautioned that over 1 million Palestinians in Gaza could face starvation by mid-month if hostilities persist.
They attributed the worsening hunger crisis to restricted humanitarian access and the breakdown of the local food system amid the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict.
The situation remains dire in northern Gaza, where Israel’s restrictions hinder aid distribution, while its incursion in Rafah has disrupted operations in the south.
Israel reports allowing hundreds of trucks through the Kerem Shalom crossing, but challenges persist in distributing aid within Gaza due to ongoing violence and logistical constraints.
A March report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification indicated that nearly 677,000 people in Gaza faced the highest level of hunger in Phase 5, akin to famine.
U.N. agencies project this figure could surpass 1 million, affecting almost half of Gaza’s population, by mid-next month.
Jerusalem March Proceeds Amid Tensions
Despite existing tensions, thousands of Israelis, including numerous ultranationalists, are expected to participate in an annual march through congested Palestinian neighborhoods of Jerusalem’s Old City.
The event, commemorating Jerusalem Day, signifies Israel’s annexation of east Jerusalem following the 1967 war, despite international challenges to the claim.
The march has been a source of previous conflicts, including triggering a war with Hamas three years ago.
Police are deploying significant security personnel to ensure order during the march, which will follow the traditional route through the Muslim Quarter and conclude at the Western Wall.
Counterprotests are planned, with one initiative distributing thousands of flowers to residents of the Old City.
Israeli Communications Ministry Bid to Extend Al Jazeera Shutdown
Israel’s Communications Ministry aims to prolong the closure of Qatar’s Al Jazeera news network’s local offices following a court ruling upholding the shutdown order, which was set to expire earlier than expected.
The closure of Al Jazeera’s local offices on May 6 escalated tensions between the channel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, alleging incitement and bias towards Hamas.
The extraordinary shutdown order includes seizing broadcast equipment, blocking reports, and website bans, marking the first closure of a foreign news outlet in Israel.
Previously, Israeli authorities confiscated Associated Press equipment, accusing them of sharing images with Al Jazeera, which were later returned after a brief seizure.
Al Jazeera’s comprehensive coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict has been ongoing, providing updates on the situation in Gaza despite challenges.
The network’s reporting has featured videos from Hamas and other groups, displaying Israeli hostages and attacks, alongside coverage of casualties during the conflict.
Netanyahu Vows to Restore Security Along Lebanese Border
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to restoring security along the northern border with Lebanon during a visit to the region.
Following brush fires ignited by Hezbollah rocket attacks, Netanyahu stated Israel’s readiness for strong action to address the situation in the north.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in substantial damage and displacement, raising concerns of broader regional instability.
The national parks authority reported significant acreage destroyed by fires since May, many triggered by Lebanese projectiles, underscoring the urgency to stabilize the region.
Gunman Captured After Shootout Outside U.S. Embassy in Beirut
Lebanese soldiers captured a gunman following a shootout outside the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, with reports indicating that the assailant is a Syrian national.
The shooter’s motives remain unclear, but photos suggest affiliations with the Islamic State, pointing to possible extremist connections.
A video circulating on social media shows a prolonged gunfight involving at least one assailant in the embassy’s vicinity.
Israel Launches ‘Operational Activity’ in Central Gaza
The Israeli military disclosed that it has initiated “operational activity” in central Gaza, specifically in two areas, ramping up its ground offensive against Hamas.
The operation involves combat engagements “above and below ground” in eastern Deir al-Balah and Bureij refugee camp, established since the 1948 war.
Israel has been conducting airstrikes throughout Gaza and recently launched a targeted operation in these central regions.
Prior military campaigns have left extensive destruction in Gaza, with recent incursions focusing on the southern city of Rafah and central areas, affecting thousands of residents.
Israel Revamps Military Prison Amid Criticism
Israel announced plans to reform operations at the Sde Teiman military prison, the primary facility for Palestinian detainees rounded up during the Gaza offensive, amid concerns over poor conditions and lack of oversight.
The government intends to transfer 500 out of 700 current detainees to Ofer military prison in the West Bank over the next week, with a promise to relocate the remainder in the future and limit the use of Sde Teiman as a short-term holding site.
Improvements are also planned for the medical center within the facility, addressing issues raised by detainees’ rights groups and medical personnel.
The military prison is used for pre-trial detention without legal representation for extended periods, triggering allegations of human rights abuses and inadequate conditions.
According to reports and testimonies, detainees are confined in harsh conditions, including being shackled and blindfolded, raising concerns of mistreatment.
Israel has detained around 4,000 Palestinians during the Gaza offensive to gather intelligence, releasing a portion deemed unassociated with militant groups.
