U.S. announces Israel’s plan to initiate daily 4-hour pauses in fighting

UNRWA Chief Warns of Record High Death Tolls in West Bank

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported record high death tolls among Palestinians in the West Bank. Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of the agency, has expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence, caused by settler violence and military incursions by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking at a conference in Paris attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Lazzarini highlighted the potential spillover of the conflict beyond Gaza. UNRWA is focused on providing relief to Palestinian refugees, currently operating 150 schools and buildings across the Gaza Strip where over 700,000 displaced people are in need of shelter, food, and water.

Son of Hostage Questions Israel’s Offensive Strategy

In another development, Yonatan Zeigen, the son of 74-year-old Vivian, one of over 240 hostages kidnapped by Hamas, has expressed concern about the safety of the hostages as Israel’s military offensive continues to intensify. Despite the intense military response, no progress has been made in releasing the hostages.

Zeigen expressed frustration over the priority given to the military assault instead of peaceful negotiations to ensure the safe return of the hostages. However, he remains optimistic, pointing out that the conflict between Israel and Palestine is not the first to be resolved after years of hostility.

Erdogan Accuses Western Nations of Inaction

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has criticized Western nations’ inaction in the face of civilian deaths in Gaza and called on Muslim nations to display unity against Israel’s actions. While Western nations remain silent, Erdogan emphasized the importance of raising voices in solidarity with the victims in Gaza.

Israel to Implement Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza Strip

To provide relief to the residents of the Gaza Strip, Israel has announced it will implement four-hour pauses in fighting in selected areas every day, reports the White House. This plan aims to facilitate the movement of civilians and provide critical humanitarian supplies and assistance to those in need.

Leaders Arrested Ahead of Anti-War Protest

The leader of a Palestinian group was arrested in Israel today ahead of an anti-war protest, in a move criticized as suppressing freedom of assembly and expression for Palestinian citizens.

No Plans to Evacuate Al-Shifa Hospital in Northern Gaza

Despite the ongoing conflict, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza is committed to staying and providing treatment to the injured and the sick. This humanitarian effort serves as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos and destruction.

Hostages’ Families Appeal to China for Help

Families of hostages in Gaza have appealed to China to help secure the release of their loved ones. Despite the challenges, their appeal demonstrates the urgent need for international assistance in resolving the crisis.

Israel’s President Denies Viable Proposals from Hamas

Israel’s President has denied receiving viable proposals from Hamas for the release of hostages, dismissing reports of a potential deal in the near future. This highlights the challenges in reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Both Israel and Hamas Accused of War Crimes

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has accused both Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian efforts to address the dire situation. This acknowledgment brings further attention to the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for international intervention.