The latest exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails resulted in 12 hostages being released, including 10 Israelis and two Thai nationals. In return, 30 Palestinians, including 15 children and 15 women, were released from Israeli prisons. Israeli troops raided the West Bank city of Jenin, leading to armed clashes with Palestinian fighters and injuring at least eight people.
Despite a temporary truce, there were reports of fighting in Gaza, with Israeli soldiers being lightly injured by explosive devices and gunfire. Hamas accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire but stated its commitment to the truce. The UN’s aid chief is set to discuss the possibility of opening a second crossing to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, as the existing aid is not enough to meet the population’s needs.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that Israeli forces prevented a fuel truck from entering the north of Gaza and blocked an emergency medical team from transferring a wounded patient to a hospital in the occupied West Bank. The UN World Food Programme warned that the population of Gaza, particularly women and children, are at a high risk of famine if humanitarian food supplies do not continue after the truce. The World Health Organization also expressed concern that more people could die from diseases if Gaza’s health system is not restored quickly.
In light of the ongoing issues in Gaza, the international community is urged to continue providing humanitarian aid and support to the region. The situation in Gaza remains fragile, and the need for sustained aid and efforts to restore essential services is crucial for the well-being of the population.
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