Palestinians fight for their lives and their stolen lands

[Anthea]

In Gaza last year IOF destroyed:

815 mosques
19 cemeteries
3 churches

The genocide in Gaza did not even spare religious heritage with mosques, cemeteries, and churches coming under Israeli attack.

Palestinian officials have reported severe damage and destruction affecting religious landmarks across the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank as a result of Israeli aggression. According to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, nearly 1,000 mosques in Gaza suffered extensive damage in 2024, with 815 completely demolished and 151 sustaining partial damage.

The assault on religious heritage extended beyond mosques, as 19 cemeteries and three churches in Gaza were also devastated during the genocidal campaign. In the West Bank, 20 mosques were reportedly targeted, adding to the broader impact on Palestinian religious and cultural sites.

The ministry also detailed increased tensions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds, where 256 settler-led incursions were recorded throughout the year. During the Hanukkah holiday in late December, over 2,500 settlers stormed the mosque's grounds, further straining an already volatile situation.

The destruction comes amid "Israel's" genocidal campaign which has ravaged Gaza since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 45,800 people, predominantly women and children. The scale of the violence has drawn international condemnation and legal scrutiny.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, "Israel" faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.

Latest developments

International observers are warning of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe amid Israel's impending ban on UNRWA operations.

UNRWA's senior emergency officer Louise Wateridge on Sunday warned that social order in Gaza is put at further risk if "Israel" proceeds with its plans to end the operations of the agency.

Meanwhile, on the global stage, Colombia has secured a seat for the first time on the United Nations Human Rights Council, a key body responsible for safeguarding human rights worldwide.

Following the announcement, Colombian President Gustavo Petro affirmed his administration’s commitment to confronting pressing human rights issues. In a statement on X, Petro emphasized that Colombia’s position on the systematic human rights violations in Palestine will remain "clear and resolute."

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... es-in-gaza

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Attack on Gaza aid convoy

The World Food programme demands improved security conditions to ensure humanitarian aid operations can continue unimpeded

The US World Food Programme (WFP) has strongly condemned an incident in which Israeli forces fired on one of its aid convoys in Gaza.

The attack occurred on Sunday when a convoy of three vehicles transporting eight staff members from central Gaza to Gaza City was struck by 16 bullets near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint

Although no injuries were reported, the convoy was immobilized. According to WFP, the vehicles were clearly marked and had received prior security clearance from Israeli authorities.

"The World Food Programme (WFP) strongly condemns the horrifying incident on January 5," the agency said in a statement. "This unacceptable event is just the latest example of the complex and dangerous working environment that WFP and other agencies are operating in today."

WFP urged for improved security conditions to ensure humanitarian aid operations can continue unimpeded. The Israeli military has not issued a response to the allegations.

The aggression has reignited concerns about the safety of aid workers in Gaza, where international agencies have long accused Israeli forces of obstructing humanitarian efforts.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, addressed the WFP's statement in a tweet, highlighting the dangers faced by aid workers.

Since the start of the genocide, at least 333 humanitarian workers have been killed in Israeli attacks, marking the deadliest year on record for such personnel

UNRWA has experienced particularly devastating losses, with 258 staff members killed.

The agency is currently facing the possibility of a complete ban imposed by the occupation authorities.

Louise Wateridge, UNRWA's senior emergency officer, warned on Sunday that social order in Gaza is put at further risk if Israel proceeds with its plans to ban the UNRWA.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... improved-s

[Anthea]

Propaganda hiding reality of Gaza genocide
US director Michael Moore

Michael Moore asserts that "no filmmaker, writer, or artist should ever have to tell the story of their own extermination."

Michael Moore, an American director and producer, has accused strong marketing efforts of concealing the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

Moore addressed the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the film From Ground Zero, which was made by Palestinian filmmakers Aws Al-Banna, Ahmed Al-Danf, Basil Al-Maqousi, and Mustafa Al-Nabih.

The film, which was distributed in the United States, has 22 short films ranging from documentary to drama, action, and animation.

In an X post, the director emphasized that “no filmmaker, writer, or artist should ever have to tell the story of their own extermination," detailing how Palestinian filmmakers found a way to film in the last year using the tools at their disposal.

He called the very existence of the work a "cinematic miracle", urging the public to see the production.

Moore questioned media silence on his website, asserting that the tales in Gaza are not being told on daily news channels, since "military leaders prohibit access so that journalists and filmmakers cannot bring us the truth."

The director noted that despite being forced to fund the genocide as Americans, "we are not allowed to witness what Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have declared to be a genocide and an ethnic cleansing — war crimes committed every day in our name."

He noted that instead, the public is a victim of a "powerful propaganda campaign" aimed at dehumanizing the 5 million people in the occupied Palestinian territories who are imprisoned behind walls and barbed wire, forced to starve, with "nearly every hospital and school in Gaza bombed to smithereens and half of the territory's homes reduced to rubble."

Revealing the production is one of 15 nominees for Best International Feature Film at the 2017 97th Academy Awards, Moore published the film's US screening locations and urged people to view it, vowing that it will not be disappointing.

Israel $150m shapes intl. perception

Israel has approved an additional $150 million for its 2025 propaganda budget, aiming to influence international perceptions regarding its war on Gaza, the Middle East Monitor news website reported last week.

The website pointed out that this significant 20-fold increase in funding is intended to reinforce Tel Aviv's narrative, presenting its war on the besieged enclave as justified, while framing the Palestinian Resistance as “anti-Semitic” and equating it to “Nazi” terrorism.

The Middle East Monitor added that the decision also seeks to amplify Islamophobic rhetoric in European nations by likening the Palestinian struggle to extremist groups like ISIS.

According to the news website, the broader objective of these efforts is to erode international sympathy for the Palestinian cause and bolster support for "Israel’s" crimes in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, addressing the expanded budget, stated that “Israeli propaganda efforts and the war of consciousness have not received the critical and life-saving resources and tools they require for decades.”

Israeli propaganda, often referred to by critics as hasbara, involves efforts by the Israeli government, advocacy groups, and private organizations to shape perceptions of Israel, its policies, and its actions globally. These campaigns aim to promote a favorable image of Israel and influence public opinion and policy decisions in other countries.

Among the key components of Israeli propaganda are responding to accusations regarding its treatment of Palestinians, military actions, or settlement policies by framing them as defensive measures against terrorism or existential threats. It portrays Palestinians or critics as biased, anti-Semitic, or aligned with extremist ideologies, and monitors and discreds organizations or individuals critical of "Israel’s" policies.

Israel employs social media campaigns to amplify pro-"Israel" narratives, often targeting young audiences, as well as training "digital warriors" or grassroots activists to advocate for "Israel" online and leveraging partnerships with influencers and celebrities to promote "Israel’s" image.

It also funds initiatives like trips for journalists, students, and politicians to "Israel" to grow sympathy for its perspective. Critics warn that Israeli propaganda detracts attention from ongoing apartheid, occupation, and violence in Palestinian territories.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/Art ... ector-mich

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UK MPs condemn war crimes silence

MP John McDonnell criticizes Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely for her controversial remarks, particularly her support for Greater Israel and her refusal to acknowledge a Palestinian state

British lawmakers have strongly criticized the Keir Starmer government for its stance on the dire humanitarian condition in the Gaza Strip, warning that silence in the face of the brutal crimes of the Zionist regime is tantamount to complicity in genocide and the regime’s illegal actions against the Palestinian people.

One British lawmaker called for Israel's economic and military isolation to push the occupation entity toward a negotiated settlement, suggesting that the Israeli ambassador to the UK should be expelled, Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.

Independent MP John McDonnell highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly exacerbated by harsh winter conditions.

"We've witnessed over the Christmas period when we're celebrating with our families, the scenes of children starving and freezing to death as a result of Israeli actions,” he stated

Addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday, McDonnell emphasized that the only viable solution in the past had been the "total isolation of a country" both economically and militarily to prevent the kind of war crimes "Israel" is accused of committing.

"I think this Government could take a leading role in that isolation of Israel to bring it some form of negotiated settlement," he indicated.

McDonnell also criticized the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, for her controversial remarks, particularly her support for Greater Israel and her refusal to acknowledge a Palestinian state.

"We have an Israeli ambassador who’s an advocate of Greater Israel, refuses to recognize the Palestinian state, defies all the UN resolutions that have been passed about how we can secure that peace, and she still remains in this country. Why aren’t we expelling the Israeli ambassador," he questioned

Hotovely has caused anger on several occasions since October 7, 2023, such as denying there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and claiming that the Israeli military was not bombing civilians in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

On Wednesday, Labour Party MP Zarah Sultana expressed her support for McDonnell's call to expel the Israeli ambassador, writing on X, "I agree Expel the Israeli Ambassador NOW."

The House of Commons meeting began with an urgent question from Layla Moran, a representative of the Liberal Democrat Party, who narrated heartbreaking stories about the situation of the people of Gaza and called for decisive action by the British government.

In response, Hamish Falconer, the British Deputy Foreign Secretary, while condemning Israel’s policies, explained the government’s alleged measures to provide aid; however, many MPs considered these measures “insufficient” and “late.”

Referring to the critical situation in northern Gaza, Moran emphasized that nearly 46,000 people have been killed and more than 2.3 million Gazans are at risk of famine.

“We all know the statistics, But let’s go beyond the numbers and listen to a human story,” she said and then moved to narrate the story of a surgeon whose family was trapped in the Jabalia refugee camp and then targeted by a drone strike

“What part of international law justifies this massacre? Where is the justice?” she asked while her voice was trembling.

Falconer acknowledged that the situation in Gaza was critical and “Israel must address it urgently” and claimed that his government was working with international allies to get humanitarian aid into Gaza.

However, many MPs, including Emily Thornberry, chair of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, considered the government’s actions insufficient. “We have heard from witnesses, time and again, that the British government could have done more, but that it was either too little or too late.”

Meanwhile, Labour MP Ebtisam Mohammed, referring to reports of the Israeli army forcibly evicting residents of northern Gaza, described the measures as “ethnic cleansing” and called on the government to take a firm stance on the issue

“We are watching ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the world remains silent. Does the UK government recognize this?” she asked.

Another point of contention at the meeting was British arms exports to "Israel".

“Is the government prepared to stop arms sales to Israel?” asked Callum Miller, a spokesman for the Liberal Democrats.

“We will never allow weapons sold by the UK to be used to violate international law,” Falconer said despite knowing Britain’s incomplete measures to restrict arms exports to the Zionist regime.

UK partially suspends arms exports to Israel

In early September, the UK government announced it would suspend certain arms exports to "Israel", citing a "clear risk" that these exports could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.

At the time, Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Parliament that, following a review by his department regarding Israel's conduct in its war on Gaza, the UK would halt 30 out of 350 arms export licenses.

He indicated that the partial suspension pertains to items that could be utilized in the ongoing war, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.

However, the suspension does not cover components for "Israel's" advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets, Lammy clarified.

He emphasized that the suspension was "not a determination of innocence or guilt" and would be kept under continuous review.

"We have not and could not arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law," Lammy said.

He also reiterated Britain’s support for Israel to defend itself and assured that the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel’s security.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... ge-envoy-e

[Anthea]

Pope Francis condemns Israel's actions

In his address, the pope condemned the bombing of civilians, referencing the dire conditions in Gaza where electricity is scarce, and winter cold has claimed lives

Pope Francis on Thursday intensified his criticism of Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis in the sector as "very serious and shameful" during an annual address to Vatican-accredited diplomats on Thursday. The remarks were delivered on his behalf by an aide, as the 88-year-old pontiff recovers from a cold.

In his address, the pope condemned the bombing of civilians, referencing the dire conditions in Gaza where electricity is scarce, and winter cold has claimed lives. "We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians," the speech read. "We cannot accept that children are freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed or a country's energy network has been hit."

The address, which is often referred to as the pope's "state of the world" speech, included a wide range of global concerns. Francis also condemned anti-Semitism, calling the rise of anti-Semitic groups "a source of deep concern," and urged an end to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has caused widespread devastation and loss of life.

"My wish for the year 2025 is that the entire international community will work above all to end the conflict that, for almost three years now, has caused so much bloodshed," the pope said, referring to the Ukraine war. He also highlighted other global conflicts in countries such as Sudan, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Nicaragua.

The pope's remarks follow a recent escalation in his criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, including a suggestion that the international community examine whether the campaign against Hamas could constitute genocide. This statement provoked backlash, with an Israeli minister publicly denouncing the pope's comments in December.

Beyond addressing conflicts, Francis reiterated his calls for urgent action on climate change and expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation through social media.

Pope's plea for peace

The pope has consistently advocated for a ceasefire in the embattled Strip. Reflecting on the scale of the ongoing genocide, he remarked that the war has become "too much."

In his annual Christmas message last month, Pope Francis urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He expressed his concern for the Christian communities in the region, particularly in Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated significantly.

"I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave. May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war," he said.

The pontiff extended his plea for peace to Sudan, which has been gripped by a brutal civil war for nearly two years, leaving millions at risk of famine.

"May the Son of the Most High sustain the efforts of the international community to facilitate access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Sudan and to initiate new negotiations for a ceasefire," he said.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... s--shamefu

[Anthea]

Palestinians dig trenches to shelter

from cold and airstrikes

"If an explosion happened around us and the soil collapsed, this shelter would become our grave," Palestinian father Tayseer said

As temperatures plunge and heavy rains batter war-torn central Gaza, displaced families are resorting to desperate measures to survive. In Deir el-Balah, Tayseer Obaid, a Palestinian father, has dug an underground shelter for his family, attempting to create a safer and more comfortable space amidst the chaos.

Speaking to AFP, Obaid described how he began digging into the clay soil to expand their limited living area. "I had an idea to dig into the ground to expand the space as it was very limited," he explained.

Over time, he dug nearly two meters deep, adding mattresses for comfort and using flour sacks filled with sand to pave the entry and prevent mud from accumulating. Despite these efforts, he acknowledges the risks, saying, "If an explosion happened around us and the soil collapsed, this shelter would become our grave."

The war, now in its 14th month, has displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2.4 million residents. According to UNOSAT, 66% of the territory's buildings have been damaged or destroyed by relentless airstrikes. With construction materials scarce due to the complete blockade, displaced families are forced to rely on improvised shelters in overcrowded camps

The situation has been further exacerbated by freezing winter weather.

On Thursday, the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) reported the tragic deaths of eight newborns from hypothermia and 74 children succumbing to the brutal conditions.

"We enter this New Year carrying the same horrors as the last -- there's been no progress and no solace. Children are now freezing to death," said UNRWA spokeswoman Louise Wateridge.

Since the start of the war, at least 46,537 Palestinians, the majority of them civilians, have been killed, according to figures from Gaza's health ministry. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with no end to the suffering in sight.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... m-cold--ai

[Anthea]

Israeli consumes 11% of Gaza amid expansion

The IOF continue destroying developed and agricultural land in Gaza to establish the Netzarim corridor

Since December 2024, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have expanded the Netzarim Axis in Gaza to a width of seven kilometers, destroying and wiping off at least 40 squared kilometers of agricultural and industrialized Palestinian land, a study by Palestine maps revealed.

The Netzarim expansion extended to 2025, stretching to new areas, particularly the al-Zaytoun and Tal al-Hawa neighborhoods, as well as the Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps. In order to achieve that, the IOF obliterated the agricultural and developed areas between al-Zaytoun and Wadi Gaza, including the towns of Juhr al-Deek, al-Mushraqa, Sheikh Ajleen, and al-Zahraa City.

These also include Gaza's industrial park, power plant, main landfill, and wastewater treatment plant.

The Netzarim Axis currently takes up 11% of Gaza's land, which has been made possible by the erasure of tens of thousands of dunams of agricultural land, including ancient citrus and olive groves.

16% of Gaza land to be taken by Israel

In March, an analysis by Adi Ben-Nun, a Hebrew University geography professor, said Israel plans to lay its hands on 16% of Gaza's territory to establish a “buffer zone".

Construction of the zone has already begun, per the professor, which naturally will involve the demolishing of Palestinian homes and agriculture to make space for the 1-kilometer (0.6 miles) wide zone.

Israeli officials previously refused to comment on how wide the buffer would be, but the former head of Israeli military intelligence, Amos Yadlin, said he expected Israel would enforce a "perimeter" of 500 meters to 1km inside Gaza.

Moreover, Israel had bombed factories, warehouses, and civilian infrastructure within the potential buffer zone. Some of the buildings had been deliberately mined by Combat Engineering units, in preparation to demolish the residential bloc

The surface seems to be for a buffer zone, but the intent may be deeper than that, as many ministers of the occupation have called for building more settlements, according to The Wall Street Journal.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... -expansion

[Anthea]

Israeli attacks caused 55%
of global civilian deaths in 2024

A study reports that 61,353 civilians were killed or wounded in 2024, marking a 67% increase compared to the previous year

An annual study revealed that civilian casualties from bombing or other explosive violence have reached their highest global levels in over a decade, driven by intense bombings in Gaza and Lebanon and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The monitoring group "Action on Armed Violence" (AOAV) reported that 61,353 civilians were killed or injured in 2024, a 67% increase from the previous year. This is the highest toll recorded since the group started its surveys in 2010.

Israeli attacks accounted for 55% of the total civilian deaths and injuries recorded in 2024, making them the leading cause

The research also highlighted significant conflicts in Sudan and Myanmar, which together accounted for 8% of the total casualties.

The AOAV bases its statistics on English-language reports of explosive violence worldwide, which likely underreport the true number of civilian casualties due to the limitations of media coverage in a single language.

The number of civilians reported killed worldwide rose by 51%, while injuries increased by 81%. Additionally, the study observed a 26% rise in deadly and severe incidents.

Gaza was the most affected region, making up 39% of the total casualties reported, followed by Ukraine and Lebanon. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 23,600 people were killed in Gaza in 2024, indicating that media reports likely understate the true toll.

Gaza most destructive, fatal conflict

In December last year, a UK-based war monitor labeled Israel's assault against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since October of last year as the "most destructive and fatal conflict" in recent history.

According to an Airwars report, "By almost every metric, the harm to civilians from the first month of the Israeli campaign in Gaza is incomparable with any 21st-century air campaign."

The war Israel has waged on Gaza "is by far the most intense, destructive, and fatal conflict for civilians that Airwars has ever documented."

According to the London, UK-based not-for-profit company, at least 5,139 civilians were killed in Gaza in 25 days in October of 2023, which is "nearly four times more civilians reported killed in a single month than in any conflict" the firm has documented since its inception in 2014.

In October 2023 alone, Airwars reported at least 65 instances in which at least 20 civilians were killed, significantly tripling the amount of such high-fatality episodes documented by Airwars in any similar time period.

Over 25 days, Airwars said at least 1,900 children were killed by Israeli military action in Gaza, which is roughly seven times greater than the tracking firm's previous deadliest month for children.

The not-for-profit highlighted how Palestinian families were killed in record numbers, including in their homes. "More than nine out of ten women and children were killed in residential buildings. In more than 95 percent of all cases where a woman was killed, at least one child was also killed."

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/israeli-attacks-caused-55--of-global-civilian-deaths--injuri

[Anthea]

Prospects of Gaza ceasefire along with

Israel's expansionist agenda

In an interview for Al Mayadeen, Political Science and International Affairs Professor William Lawrence highlighted the challenges facing a Gaza ceasefire deal, pointing to the strong influence of pro-settler, expansionist figures within US administrations, particularly under Trump, which bolsters Israel's territorial ambitions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria.

Lawrence warned that this "means any peace is going to be on Israel's terms and at the detriment of the Palestinian cause." While a second ceasefire seems closer than before, he noted that "the final disposition of Israeli troops is probably the main sticking point," as Israel seeks to maintain positionality

https://youtu.be/aXueWDs_bew?feature=shared

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Terms of Gaza ceasefire deal

Al Mayadeen has obtained the terms of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, with key terms regarding the release of Palestinian detainees and the rehabilitation of Gaza's hospitals

Al Mayadeen has obtained details of the Gaza ceasefire agreement with the Israeli occupation. The agreement, which outlines an eleven-clause framework, marks a significant step toward resolving the ongoing war and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Key terms of the agreement:

Israeli forces are required to fully withdraw from all areas of the Gaza Strip and return to the pre-war borders.

The Rafah crossing must be reopened, with Israeli forces withdrawing entirely from the area.

"Israel" is mandated to ease the travel of injured individuals for treatment abroad.

"Israel" must permit the daily entry of 600 aid trucks, as per a humanitarian protocol backed by Qatar.
"Israel" must facilitate the entry of 200,000 tents and 60,000 caravans for immediate shelter.

A large-scale prisoner exchange will occur, including the release of 1,000 prisoners from Gaza and hundreds of detainees serving lengthy sentences.

"Israel" is to release all women and children under the age of 19 from its prisons.

Israeli forces must gradually withdraw from the Netzarim corridor and the Philadelphi Route.

Displaced residents must be allowed to return to their homes, with guaranteed freedom of movement throughout the Gaza Strip.

Hostile aircraft must vacate Gaza's airspace for 8 to 10 hours daily.

All hospitals in Gaza must be rehabilitated. Field hospitals, medical equipment, and surgical teams must be permitted entry.

Implementation phases

The first phase of the agreement, lasting six weeks, will involve the release of 33 Israeli captives, both living and deceased. This phase also includes the immediate return of displaced persons from southern Gaza to the north, facilitated by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from al-Rashid Street to the depths of the Netzarim corridor.

Subsequent phases will address the release of the remaining 66 captives held by Palestinian resistance factions.

If the deal succeeds, the gradual ceasefire could mark the end of more than a year of sporadic negotiations and result in the largest release of Israeli captives since the early stages of the war, when Hamas released roughly half of its captives in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees.

In further detail, an Israeli official stated that negotiations were in advanced stages for the release of 33 of the remaining 98 Israeli captives, marking the first phase of the deal. In exchange, "Israel" will release 1,000 Palestinian detainees, according to a Palestinian source close to the talks, who added that the first phase would last for 60 days.

Meanwhile, Hamas fighters allegedly involved in Operation al-Aqsa Flood would not be released.

The Israeli official mentioned that the first stage of the agreement would involve the release of 33 captives, including "children, women, female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick," as well as a gradual, partial withdrawal of invading Israeli units.

Commenting on the number of detainees, The Times of Israel considered, citing a copy of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press, that "Israel" will pay a steep price to secure the release of female soldiers being held captive.

Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each of whom would be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted security prisoners who are serving life sentences.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... efire-deal

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Israel intensifies aggression

The Israeli occupation forces greeted the announcement of the ceasefire agreement with a series of massacres across the Gaza Strip

The Israeli occupation intensified its aggression on the Gaza Strip right as a ceasefire was announced, launching indiscriminate airstrikes and massacring tens of Palestinians across the besieged enclave.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza reported that at least 50 Palestinians have been martyred since the agreement was announced, noting that five were killed and around 10 others were injured after the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) targeted a house in al-Rimal, western Gaza City.

Four Palestinians were killed and others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on a residential apartment in a building near the al-Shaabiya junction in the al-Daraj neighborhood, central Gaza City.

Israeli airstrikes on two separate houses in the Shujaiya neighborhood and the vicinity of the Patient Friends Association Hospital, two little girls were killed. Meanwhile, rescue teams were able to recover five martyrs and over 10 injured Palestinians from beneath the rubble of a house bombarded by the IOF in al-Rimal.

Two Palestinians were in an airstrike on a building at the Sha'biyyah intersection in Gaza City by the occupation, according to our correspondent.

Moreover, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Israeli Quadcopters opened fire in Jabalia al-Nazla and Jabalia al-Balad in the northern Gaza Strip. In the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, several Palestinians were martyred and others injured after the IOF bombed a house in the area.

Video footage showed the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes during the night on displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, with tents burning and attempts to extinguish the fires.

In south Gaza, two Palestinians were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting Khiber al-Aadas in northern Rafah.

Last night, an Israeli attack on a residential building in western Gaza City killed 18 people and injured numerous more, according to the Palestinian station Al Aqsa. According to reports, the strike targeted a building near the engineers' union.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... re-announc

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Israel Gaza ceasefire deal delayed

Strikes continued in Gaza overnight on Wednesday after the ceasefire deal was announced

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a cabinet vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal, due on Thursday, accusing Hamas of seeking last-minute changes to the agreement.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a "loose end" was being tied up and that he was confident the ceasefire would still begin on Sunday as planned.

Although Israeli negotiators agreed to the deal after months of talks, it cannot be implemented until it is approved by the security cabinet and government.

Hamas said it was committed to the deal, but the BBC understands it was trying to add some of its members to the list of Palestinian prisoners that would be released under the deal.

The delay came after Israeli strikes in Gaza following Wednesday's announcement of a deal killed more than 80 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

A few hours before the Thursday morning meeting was due, Netanyahu accused Hamas of trying to "extort last minute concessions".

The cabinet would not convene until Hamas accepted "all elements of the agreement," a statement from his office read.

Blinken said such a delay was to be expected in such a "challenging" situation.

"It's not exactly surprising that in a process and negotiation that has been this challenging and this fraught, you may get a loose end," he told a press conference in Washington.

"We're tying up that loose end as we speak."

He said the US was "confident" the deal would come into force on Sunday as planned, and that the ceasefire would then persist.

Israeli media reported that the cabinet was expected to meet on Friday to approve the deal and that the alleged issue had been resolved, although this was not officially confirmed.

A majority of Israeli ministers are expected to back the deal, but late on Thursday Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said his right-wing party would quit Netanyahu's government if it was approved

"The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal," Ben-Gvir told a news conference, adding it would "erase the achievements of the war".

However, he said his Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party would not seek to topple the government should the deal be ratified.

He urged the leader of the other far-right party in government, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionist party, to join him in resigning.

Ohad Tal, the party's chair in Israel's parliament, told BBC Radio 4 that it was "debating" whether to leave Netanyahu's government over the deal.

Ben Gvir said the deal would "erase the achievements of the war"

Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that the group was committed to the agreement announced by the mediators.

The head of Hamas's delegation, Khalil al-Hayya, officially informed Qatar and Egypt of its approval of all the terms of the agreement, the official told the BBC.

But BBC Gaza correspondent Rushdi Abualouf understands that Hamas was attempting to add the names of one or two symbolic members to the list of prisoners that would be released under the deal.

The first six-week phase of the deal would see 33 hostages - including women, children and elderly people - exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Israeli troops would also withdraw to the east, away from densely populated areas of Gaza.

Displaced Palestinians would be able to start returning to their homes and hundreds of aid lorries would be allowed entry to the territory each day.

Negotiations for the second phase - which should see the remaining hostages released, a full Israeli troop withdrawal and a return to "sustainable calm" - would start on the 16th day.

The third and final stage would involve the return of any remaining hostages' bodies and the reconstruction of Gaza - something which could take years.

The ceasefire is due to begin on Sunday, should it be approved

Israeli air strikes continued after the deal was announced on Wednesday. At least 12 people were killed in Gaza City, where a doctor told the BBC staff "did not rest for one minute" during the "bloody night".

Strikes were carried out on 50 targets in Gaza since the deal's announcement, the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Security Agency said in a statement

The prime minister of Qatar - which mediated negotiations - called for "calm" on both sides before the start of the first six-week phase of the ceasefire deal.

Israel launched a campaign to destroy Hamas - which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and others - in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

More than 46,788 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry

Most of Gaza's 2.3 million population has also been displaced, there is widespread destruction and there are severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter, while aid agencies struggle to get help to those in need.

Israel says 94 of the hostages are still being held by Hamas, 34 of whom are presumed dead. There are four Israelis who were abducted before the war, two of whom are dead.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93ll522e9no

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In numbers: Impact of Israeli genocide

A report by the Guardian outlines the devastation in Gaza since October 7, 2023, caused by Israel's genocidal campaign

On October 7, 2023, Israel launched a genocidal campaign in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians each day. A week later, ground incursions into the territory commenced, setting the stage for a prolonged 15-month occupation.

This marks the longest Israeli military offense since the 1948 occupation

A global movement for Gaza mobilized since the early days of the genocide, prompting unprecedented criticism and counter-actions to Israel's onslaught, from protests, intense boycotting movements, ruptured diplomatic and economic relations with the Israeli occupation, and prominent court rulings against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Consequently, following 15 months of efforts and negotiations, a ceasefire agreement was announced on January 15.

In light of the events, The Guardian provided an outline of the war's impact on Gaza and its people.
Astronomical death toll

Since October 7, 2023, Israel killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians, most of whom are civilians, overwhelmingly women and children, while more than 110,000 others have been injured. According to The Guardian's figures, the death toll makes up around 2% of Gaza's pre-war population

The victims of Israeli brutality included women, children, and the elderly alike, with the youngest victims being infants only a few hours old, and the oldest being a 101-year-old great-great-grandfather.

The Guardian, much like in other publications, speculates a severe underestimation of the actual death toll in Gaza. A study released by the Lancet suggests that the official Palestinian count of deaths in the Israeli war on Gaza may have missed as many as 41% of casualties through mid-2024 due to the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system.

The researchers employed a statistical technique known as capture-recapture analysis to estimate the death toll from the Israeli air and ground assault against Gaza during the first nine months of the war, spanning from October 2023 to the end of June 2024.

The researchers estimated that 64,260 people died from traumatic injuries during this period, which is approximately 41% higher than the official count from the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza.
Domicide in Gaza

Israel's war also drew accusations of domicide, which is by definition “the planned, deliberate destruction of someone's home, causing suffering to the dweller."

According to UN statistics, every nine in ten houses were destroyed or damaged in Gaza, while civilian infrastructure, including schools, mosques, churches, and hospitals has been repeatedly struck and bombarded by the Israeli occupation forces.

So-called evacuation orders have affected 80% of Gaza's territory, displacing 1.9 million people—90% of the population—with many forced to relocate multiple times. Hundreds of thousands now reside in overcrowded shelters and tent cities, suffering from poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, with some shelters also coming under attack.

Destruction of schools

Nearly all school buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving 660,000 school-age children without formal education for over a year. A study by Cambridge academics and the UN warns the war could set education back by up to five years and risks creating a lost generation of traumatized youth.

As of October 7, 2023, of Gaza's 564 school buildings, 534 have been damaged or destroyed, and 12 are reported as "possibly damaged." The condition of the remaining 18 schools is currently unknown, according to UNICEF.

Schools operated by UNRWA have been converted into emergency shelters for displaced people. Despite being clearly marked on maps, many of these shelters have been bombed, some repeatedly, under claims of Hamas operatives being present on their premises, an allegation that has been debunked multiple times.

Attacks on hospitals

Throughout the war, Israeli occupation forces repeatedly bombed and attacked hospitals in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 1,050 healthcare workers, including medics and doctors, many of whom were killed while on duty. Medics were also subjected to detention and torture, with at least three reported deaths while in Israeli custody.

By the end of 2024, only 17 of Gaza's 36 hospitals were partially operational, with 11 field hospitals struggling due to restricted aid and medical supplies.

The World Health Organization documented 654 attacks on health facilities, and a UN commission deemed Israel's actions as deliberate war crimes aimed at destroying Gaza's healthcare system. This destruction worsened the suffering of those injured, displaced, or affected by diseases like respiratory infections (1.2 million cases) and acute diarrhea (570,000 cases), exacerbated by poor shelter, food, and water access.

By December, almost all hospitals in northern Gaza have been forced out of service, particularly Kamal Adwan Hospital. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the closure of the hospital is part of an Israeli strategy "aimed at completely evacuating the northern Gaza Strip of civilians."

Malnutrition and starvation

Despite the dire need for humanitarian aid, Israel significantly prevented relief efforts and deliveries into the Gaza Strip, manifesting astronomical rates of starvation and malnutrition.

In January 2024, UN human rights experts warned that out of 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza, every single one of them is grappling with hunger and food insecurity.

Later in September, UNICEF’s Director of Child Nutrition and Development, Victor Aguayo, stated “We estimate that well over 50,000 children suffer from acute malnutrition and need lifesaving treatment, now.”

His comments follow warnings from the UN’s food agencies, FAO and WFP, which have described the situation in Gaza as “one of the most severe food and nutrition crises in history.”

Malnutrition during pregnancy and childhood impairs mental and physical development, leaving many children who survived the war with lifelong consequences from food shortages, The Guardian said.

Ecocide rates in Gaza

Gaza has lost at least half its tree cover, with extensive contamination of soil and water and significant damage to agricultural land.

This destruction, largely attributed to Israeli attacks on farms and infrastructure, will have lasting effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, food security, and public health, according to ecologists and academics.

By March 2024, an investigation by Forensic Architecture found that around 40% of Gaza's food-producing land had been destroyed. Satellite imagery reviewed by The Guardian shows widespread devastation to farms and nearly half of the area's trees eliminated.

Before October 7, farms and orchards encompassed approximately 170 square kilometers (65 square miles), representing 47% of Gaza's total land area. By the end of February, FA estimates based on satellite data indicated that Israeli military operations had destroyed over 65 square kilometers, equivalent to 38% of that land

In addition to cultivated areas, Gaza's agricultural infrastructure included more than 7,500 greenhouses, which played a crucial role in the region's economy. That mentioned, FA's analysis suggested that nearly a third of these greenhouses have been destroyed, with destruction ranging from up to 90% in northern Gaza to approximately 40% around Khan Younis.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... ce-october

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Israeli cabinet approves Gaza deal

The Israeli government has formally approved a mediated ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian Resistance, following the green light from the smaller security cabinet

According to Axios, 24 Israeli ministers voted in favor of the deal, while 8 others opposed it.

The news comes on the 470th day of the war on Gaza and after intense rounds of negotiations that led to a multiphase deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the government approved the deal, which has been heavily scrutinized by Israeli politicians and commentators. Israeli media outlets reported that the agreement will take effect on Sunday.

Details of the first phase

A Palestinian source disclosed exclusive details to Al Mayadeen regarding the prisoner exchange agreement tied to the ceasefire deal.

Speaking on Friday, the source said that for every female or child captive released by the Palestinian Resistance, 30 Palestinian detainees, including women and children, would be freed from Israeli prisons. Similarly, for every elderly captive aged 50 or older, or for those suffering from illnesses, 30 elderly or sick Palestinian detainees will be released.

The source further elaborated that for each Israeli female soldier released, 30 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 20 others with lengthy sentences—who have 15 years or less remaining—will be freed.

The initial phase of the agreement focuses on Palestinian prisoners who were previously part of the 2011 exchange deal but were later rearrested by Israeli authorities, numbering 47 individuals.

Additionally, the agreement ensures that Palestinian prisoners freed under this deal would not be rearrested on the same charges for which they were previously detained. They will not be required to serve the remainder of their initial sentences, nor will they need to sign any documents as a condition for their release.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... efire-deal

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Far-right party exits Netanyahu coalition

Shafaq News/ Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s far-right party, Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), announced its withdrawal from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition in protest of the Gaza ceasefire agreement

In a statement, the party confirmed that Ben-Gvir and two ministers, Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Amichai Eliyahu, would resign from the government. Additionally, Knesset members associated with the party, including Zvika Fogel, Limor Son Har-Melech, and Yitzhak Kroizer, will also relinquish their positions.

While Otzma Yehudit is no longer part of the coalition, it stated it would not attempt to “overthrow” Netanyahu’s government and might rejoin if the ceasefire fails

This decision follows the party’s earlier warning that it would withdraw if Israel proceeded with the truce, which came into effect on Sunday.

In contrast, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionist Party, opted to remain in the government despite opposing the ceasefire. Reports indicate Netanyahu reached an understanding with Smotrich to maintain his party's support for the coalition.

https://shafaq.com/en/World/Far-right-p ... Gaza-truce