A wave of violence swept through the Middle East on Tuesday, with Israeli air strikes targeting Gaza and the occupied West Bank. At least three civilians were killed in Israel’s airstrikes near Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
The UN has condemned Israel’s actions, saying it has blocked its access to northern Gaza for a second time. Sources close to the matter say that Gaza ceasefire mediators are urging Israel to agree to the release of high-profile Palestinian prisoners as part of an agreement.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to attack Palestinians in Jenin refugee camp and Nablus, with at least 14 people killed in overnight attacks on two homes in northern Gaza. A Palestinian man has died from his wounds after being shot by Israeli forces in the town of Qusra.
International organizations have been urging Israel to end its blockade and allow aid deliveries to the area. The international community views illegal Israeli settlements as a violation of international law, and Israel has acknowledged that a settler group entered southern Lebanon earlier this month.
The violence comes amid increased efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, with dozens killed on both sides. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour has called on the Security Council to take control under the “Uniting for Peace” framework, urging them to lead by example and end Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/12/18/live-israeli-bombing-near-gaza-hospital-kills-8-ceasefire-talks-continue