Israel has asserted that their operations within the Gaza Strip have led to the unearthing and demolition of rocket launching sites. The country alleges it targeted individuals attempting to fire a rocket at Israel, and managed to obliterate rocket launchers in the Hamad region. These assertions, however, remain unconfirmed by independent sources.
Family members of those suspected to be retained within Gaza as captives by Hamas have organized a protest demanding their freedom in Tel Aviv. The demonstrators halted traffic on a major road. Approximately 40 family members obstructed the highway, displaying banners with the plea “We want them alive, not in coffins”, as reported by Haaretz’s Bar Peleg.
Estimates suggest that up to 134 Israelis may still be imprisoned within Gaza, but there are uncertainties surrounding the number who remain alive.
Unrwa, the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, reported that one of their aid storerooms in the Gaza Strip got struck on Wednesday, leading to numerous injuries. The Spanish Open Arms aid ship, carrying up to 200 tonnes of water, food, and critical medication, is projected to arrive at Gaza’s shores after departing from Larnaca, Cyprus.
However, the lead on the crisis for International Rescue Committee (IRC) expressed that aid provided by the ship is comparatively minor to the massive crisis in the territory. Arvind Das narrated the harsh conditions, including extreme malnutrition and water shortage in Gaza, based on his experience leading medical teams from IRC and Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Four US military vessels left a Virginia base on Tuesday equipped with about 100 soldiers and the necessary gear to construct a provisional port on Gaza’s coast to ease the delivery of aid.
According to US Army Brig Gen Brad Hinson, the new offshore platform and aiding pier is projected to be operational within 60 days.
The World Food Programme (WFP) announced the delivery of their ‘first successful’ aid convoy to the northern part of Gaza since 20th February. In a post on social media, the WFP confirmed the supply of food for 25,000 individuals to Gaza City on the same day. However, they continue to demand regular deliveries and direct access to the northern section.
The health ministry in Gaza, under the leadership of Hamas, has released fresh numbers regarding casualties. They report an additional 69 Palestinians have lost their lives in the past day. These deaths add to a grim tally, serving to increase the total number of lives lost since the commencement of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip to 31,341, according to The Guardian.