In the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continue to conduct airstrikes in both northern and southern regions, including Gaza City, where they claim to have neutralized 15 militants. Concurrently, intense ground combat is reported in Khan Younis. The Health Ministry in Gaza, governed by Hamas, reports a substantial number of casualties, totaling 26,900, encompassing both civilians and militants.
Hamas' leader, Ismail Haniyeh, is set to discuss a cease-fire in Cairo, emphasizing the need for a permanent truce and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas' demands also include the reconstruction of Gaza, lifting of the Israeli blockade, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
A Palestinian in Gaza as he encounters Israeli forces on the way to Rafah:
โ Israel ืืฉืจืื ๐ฎ๐ฑ (@Israel) January 31, 2024
โWe must take down the heads of Hamas! Donโt leave this place!
This is all because of Sinwar and Haniyeh! They eat meat while we eat bullets!โ#FreeGazaFromHamas pic.twitter.com/DnynxJiOGF
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast, asserting that Israel will not withdraw or release militants until its objectives are met, specifically the neutralization of Hamas to prevent future attacks.
Internationally, discussions in Paris involving U.S., Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian officials have yielded a proposal for a humanitarian pause, allowing for assistance and potential hostage release. Over 100 hostages were released in a previous cease-fire, with approximately 100 still held by Hamas.
Hamas chief says he may consider Paris hostage deal | World Israel News https://t.co/66WNhTdxBS
โ Pamela Wolfisz (@PamelaWolf99440) January 31, 2024
In Judea and Samaria, the U.N. has condemned Israel's actions in Jenin, labeling them as potentially extrajudicial, while Israel accuses Hamas of exploiting medical facilities for militant activities. The U.N. reports an increase in Palestinian fatalities since October 7, predominantly caused by Israeli forces.
On the humanitarian front, several countries have suspended funding to UNRWA following Israeli allegations of staff involvement in attacks. The U.N. insists that the role UNRWA provides is crucial to Palestinians but has also began to admit that the need for investigation and reform of the agency is required. To date though, the UN has still not admitted that its Palestinian office has been corrupted.
BREAKING NEWS | Israel: Paris talks on hostage deal were constructive | Tuesday, January 30th 2024 - Victoria Advocate https://t.co/P7JAkN8xju
โ Global News Report (@robinsnewswire) January 31, 2024
In Washington, a congressional hearing debated UNRWA's credibility, amidst allegations of its indirect support to Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., UK, EU, and others. Despite concerns, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a focal point, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
