gaza strip

A new UAE aid convoy carrying 40 tonnes of medical supplies and four ambulances has been delivered to support the healthcare system and strengthen the ability of medical teams to respond to humanitarian and emergency cases amid the difficult conditions in the gaza strip.

In a decisive military operation, Israel has taken out Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed chief of Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, who played a crucial role in the October 7 assaults. This action is part of a broader campaign targeting Hamas leadership figures like Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.

Israel has deployed Iron Dome missile defence systems and operators to the UAE, bolstering regional security amid ongoing tensions with Iran. This move highlights a deepening defence partnership between the two nations. The deployment remains as a fragile ceasefire holds, but concerns persist over the Strait of Hormuz and stalled US-Iran negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged some responsibility for the October 7th security failures, stating accountability rests with "everyone" across the establishment. He emphasized focusing on post-attack events and Iran's broader threat, asserting he was previously a restrained leader. The offensive in Gaza has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and destruction.

Amidst the devastation in Gaza, a community of digital freelancers is finding income and escape through remote work. Programmers and designers connect with international clients, rebuilding skills and livelihoods amidst the ongoing crisis. Driven by the desire to earn for their family and not depend on humanitarian aid, they compete in the global market despite struggling for basic facilities.

Josh Gruenbaum, formerly an adviser to Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff on Russia-Ukraine and Iran policy, will now exclusively focus on gaza strip issues through the independent Board of Peace. This shift follows internal concerns about his working style, reducing his responsibilities from key foreign policy matters.

Gaza witnessed a historic moment as Palestinians engaged in their first local elections in over two decades, marking a tentative step toward reconciling the fragmented political landscape between Gaza and the West Bank. Though hampered by Israeli-imposed restrictions, officials creatively utilised whatever materials they could muster to ensure the elections went ahead.

Israeli soldiers reportedly tortured a one-year-old child in central Gaza. The child, Karim, allegedly suffered burns and puncture wounds. This happened while his father, Osama Abu Nassar, was interrogated. The child was later returned to his family. His father remains in detention. The family seeks international intervention for his release.

Iran's leadership that survives face difficulty communicating and are unable to meet in person, as a result of which its abilities to plan new strategies or negotiate with the has been hit.

Internet and phone networks were down across the gaza strip on Wednesday, the Palestinian telecommunications agency said, in the second such blackout in the war-ravaged territory in less than a week. To our good people in the beloved country, we are sorry to announce that communications and internet services have been completely cut off in Gaza," the Palestine Telecommunications Company (Paltel) said on X. Internet and the phone network were completely cut last week, but were restored at the weekend.

The gaza strip is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis as thousands of people flee their homes amid Israeli airstrikes and shortages of essential supplies. Both Israel and Hamas have dismissed talk of a ceasefire. Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza and launched airstrikes, with a ground assault expected. Power and water supplies are scarce, and emergency fuel is running out.

Israeli helicopters fired three missiles into the northern gaza strip injuring three Palestinians militants, witnesses said.

Hamas has rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to take control of the gaza strip, labeling it as "racist" and a ploy to eliminate the Palestinian cause. Trump suggested the US would redevelop Gaza and create economic opportunities, but Hamas condemned the idea, arguing it rewards Israel rather than holding it accountable for previous actions.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas targets in the gaza strip early Sunday after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit the Jewish state, the army said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the Israel-Hamas war, discussing measures Russia is taking to prevent further escalation of violence in the gaza strip. Putin briefed Netanyahu on his talks with leaders from the region and the Palestinian authority. He expressed condolences to the families of deceased Israelis and emphasized Russia's desire to achieve a peaceful settlement through political and diplomatic means.