Samina Mustafa
Mphil Scholar
Since October 7, a devastating humanitarian crisis has unfolded in Gaza, with 61% of homes and residential units destroyed, according to the Hamas government in the enclave. Out of 305,000 affected units, 52,000 are completely destroyed, and 253,000 are partially damaged, as reported by an official from the Hamas government media office in a news conference held in Gaza.
On the ground, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have advanced into Khan Younis in southern Gaza, encircling the city. Strikes in the Deir al-Balah area in central Gaza have resulted in numerous casualties being taken to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the IDF should retain control for Gaza’s disarmament post-war, rejecting the idea of an international force taking responsibility. U.S. officials anticipate the current phase of Israel’s ground operation in Gaza to last several weeks, possibly transitioning to a lower-intensity, hyper-localized strategy by January, targeting specific Hamas militants and leaders.
In a concerning development, Israeli hostages described the challenging conditions of their captivity in a private meeting with Israel’s security cabinet. Some hostages were given anti-anxiety medication before their release, according to an official from Israel’s health ministry.
In Lebanon, the caretaker prime minister expresses a desire to spare the country from a major war amid rising regional tensions. A Lebanese soldier was killed and three others wounded in an Israeli attack, according to the Lebanese army.
Humanitarian aid efforts include 50 trucks, including two carrying fuel, entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing. The U.S. military airlifted 36,000 pounds of critical supplies to Gazans, while power is gradually returning after a blackout. However, the Norwegian Refugee Council has had to halt most aid operations due to the ongoing bombardment. Mary Robinson, former UN high commissioner for human rights, has urged the U.S. to reconsider its military aid to Israel.
Internationally, the Biden administration stresses efforts to shape Israel’s military operations for precision and limit civilian casualties. FBI Director Christopher Wray is actively working to prevent potential attacks inspired by the October 7 Hamas attacks. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new policy to prevent extremist Israeli settlers responsible for violence in the West Bank from entering the U.S. During a visit to Egypt, U.S. Aid Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $21 million in aid to Gaza.
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