As negotiations for a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip progress slowly, more and more people are becoming victims of the ongoing fighting. Nine people have been killed in a fire at a facility run by the Palestinian aid agency UNRWA, according to the United Nations. The Gaza Strip training center in the town of Chan Yunis was hit by two tank shells during fighting, the aid agency’s Gaza director Thomas White said on Platform In addition to the dead, 75 were injured. Now buildings are on fire, White explained.
The US government issued a statement saying it was “very concerned” about the shelling. “While we do not yet know all the details of what happened and will continue to seek more information about today’s events, the loss of any innocent life is a tragedy,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said.
White did not write who he believed attacked the facility. Eyewitnesses told the German news agency that the fire was caused by Israeli bombing. When contacted, the Israeli military said it is currently ruling out whether the incident was due to an Israeli air or artillery strike. An investigation is underway. The military is also investigating whether it could be a Hamas attack.
Negotiations: There is still a rift between Israel and Hamas
Several media outlets recently reported on hopes for a new deal to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a longer ceasefire. However, according to the news site “ynet”, an Israeli representative said that the gap between the negotiating positions of Israel and the Islamist Hamas is still very wide. “You shouldn’t give anyone any illusions, it will take a very long time,” he said. Hamas rejected an offer from Israel for a new hostage deal on Wednesday, Israeli broadcaster KAN reported.
During a week-long ceasefire in late November, Hamas released 105 hostages. In return, Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners from prisons.
Israeli women demand the release of the hostages
Thousands of women demonstrated in Israel on Wednesday, demanding a quick deal to release the hostages. The organizers had declared a “Day of Rage” for the entire country. The demonstrators blocked streets and intersections in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem and other cities. “Enough with the bloodshed, we want a deal on the table,” read one of the protesters’ signs.
Houthi militia attacks container ship again
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi militia has attacked another container ship in the Middle East, according to the US military. The militia fired three missiles from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen at a US-flagged cargo ship sailing through the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, the US military’s regional command said. One of the missiles fell into the sea, the other two were shot down by a US Navy destroyer. No injuries or damage to the ship were reported.
Since the start of the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, the Yemeni Houthis – in solidarity with Hamas – have repeatedly attacked cargo ships with alleged ties to Israel in the Red Sea. In response, the US and Britain, with the support of allies, launched military strikes against the Iranian-backed militia in Yemen.
Houthis call on British and Americans to leave Yemen
The Houthis called on British and American United Nations officials and other aid agencies to leave areas under their control in Yemen. The German Press Agency heard from pro-Iranian militia circles on Wednesday that the request was made in response to repeated attacks by the US, Britain and other allies on Houthi targets in the country. Those affected must leave the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa within a month. “The British and the Americans will leave safely,” it said. Nationals whose countries were not involved in the attacks were allowed to remain in the country.
UN court: ruling on ceasefire in Gaza on Friday
The International Court of Justice will announce its ruling on Friday based on an urgent request from South Africa to order an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war. The United Nations highest court in The Hague announced the appointment on Wednesday. Two weeks ago, South Africa filed a lawsuit for genocide against Israel and demanded immediate legal protection for the Palestinians as an interim measure.
The court has not yet ruled on the main case, the accusation of genocide, but initially only on the urgent request to put an end to the military actions. Israel has firmly rejected South Africa’s accusation of systematically committing genocidal acts against the Palestinians. The trial of the main accusation could take years. Although a court decision is binding, the UN judges themselves have no power to enforce it. A negative decision could harm Israel and further increase international pressure on the country’s government.
What will be important on Thursday
Negotiations for a new ceasefire appear to be underway. The Israeli army carries out a multi-day operation against Hamas in western Khan Yunis. Recently, there has been particularly heavy fighting in the area surrounding the largest city in the south of the Gaza Strip. Thousands of Palestinians are currently fleeing the disputed city. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
