The Israeli army continues its offensive in northern Gaza, launched more than a month ago. At least 22 people were killed on Wednesday in this part of the Palestinian enclave, which has suffered an intensification of aerial bombardment this week. The IDF continues operations in Jabaliya and Beit Lahia as WHO completes second wave of polio vaccinations. Hopes for a truce last week were quickly nipped in the bud after Hamas rejected a temporary ceasefire sought by Tel Aviv and Washington.
Doctors in Gaza told Reuters that at least 16 Palestinians were killed in shelling in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahia. The toll dates back to last Monday, at the beginning of a deadly week for the civilian population. Hamas’ Health Ministry accused the IDF of “bombing and destroying” the only functioning hospital in the north, the Kamal Adwan facility, the target of an attack that left “many medical staff and patients injured.” The Israeli army justified itself by stating that it was “operating against infrastructure and terrorist agents in the north and center”.
Over 43,391 deaths, UNRWA ”lives its darkest hour”
On Wednesday, doctors revealed to Al Jazeera channel that at least 22 people had died in the bombings in Gaza, including 14 in the north. The airstrikes are mainly concentrated on Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Nousseirat (Center) in the central area of the enclave. In the first location, last weekend, UNICEF lamented the deaths of more than 50 children in 48 hours. The IDF revealed on Wednesday that it had “eliminated around 50 terrorists in 24 hours,” announcing the start of an operation in Beit Lahia.
On Tuesday, the Hamas government’s Ministry of Health announced a death toll of 43,391 in the Palestinian territory since the war with Israel began more than a year ago, adding that 102,347 people were injured.
The WHO, for its part, has completed the polio vaccination campaign, which has affected more than 500,000 children under ten years of age despite continued fighting. “The polio booster vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip concluded yesterday, with a total of 556,774 children under ten years of age receiving a second dose of polio vaccine,” the WHO said in a joint statement. However, between 7,000 and 10,000 children still remain “vulnerable to the polio virus”.
Dr Tedros Adhan
The health and humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave is all the more worrying as the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which Israel has decided to ban, is experiencing ”its darkest hour”, according to its head Wednesday. “Without the intervention of member states, UNRWA will collapse, throwing millions of Palestinians into chaos,” said Philippe Lazzarini, asking the Assembly member states [générale de l’ONU]who created UNRWA in 1949, to “prevent the implementation of the anti-UNRWA law” passed by the Israeli parliament.
Tel Aviv notified the UN last Monday of the “cancellation” of its agreement with the agency dating back to 1967, the year of the beginning of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza, as well as East Jerusalem. UNRWA, accused from Tel Aviv to maintain ties with Hamas, has for decades provided essential aid to Palestinian refugees in terms of education, healthcare, social services and food aid.
“Today I ask Member States to act to defend Palestinian refugees and UNRWA,” insisted Philippe Lazzarini. Although the agency was created by a UN General Assembly resolution in 1949, “changes to UNRWA’s mandate are the responsibility of the General Assembly, not an individual member state,” he estimated.
No truce agreement is on the horizon to end this war and the last efforts of the mediators, who submitted a proposal at the end of October, remained in vain even before a round was held. US diplomat Antony Blinken deplored Hamas’ refusal to accept a temporary truce in the Gaza Strip on Monday, as the Palestinian movement believes Israel will resume “its aggression” once the truce ends.
Such a ceasefire could allow Tel Aviv to focus its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and elsewhere, such as Syria. Exchanges of airstrikes and rocket launches still continue. At least 40 people were killed on Wednesday 6 November by Israeli attacks on eastern Lebanon, particularly on the town of Baalbek. Another 53 people were injured.
According to yesterday’s report, since the war in Gaza began 13 months ago, 3,050 Lebanese have been killed and 13,658 wounded. On November 5, health authorities reported 37 new deaths and 105 injuries. Like Hamas, Hezbollah is not willing to accept a truce at any cost. The movement’s new leader, Naïm Qassem, said Wednesday that he has tens of thousands of fighters “ready” to face the Israeli army. He warned that no place in Israel “was safe from the movement’s missiles and drones.”
“We have tens of thousands of trained resistance fighters who can stand their ground” against Israel, Sheikh Naim Qassem said.
Interview: The Ongoing Crisis in Gaza
Editor of Time.news: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, an expert in international humanitarian law and a senior researcher focused on conflict zones. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. The situation in Gaza appears to be escalating as Israeli military operations continue. Could you elaborate on the current humanitarian implications?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. The situation in Gaza is indeed dire. With reports indicating over 43,000 deaths and extensive infrastructural damage, the implications for civilian life are catastrophic. The ongoing military campaign, particularly in northern Gaza, exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis. Hospitals are overwhelmed, supplies are dwindling, and basic services have been severely disrupted.
Editor: It’s alarming to hear. In recent news, doctors have reported that strikes in places like Beit Lahia have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children. What does this mean in terms of international humanitarian law?
Dr. Carter: According to international humanitarian law, all parties involved in a conflict must distinguish between military targets and civilians. The reported shelling of civilian areas and strategic infrastructure, like hospitals, raises serious concerns. Attacks that do not comply with the principles of distinction and proportionality can be classified as war crimes. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen, these principles are often overlooked in conflict, leading to devastating consequences for non-combatants.
Editor: The World Health Organization recently completed a polio vaccination campaign amidst these hostilities, but they also pointed out that thousands of children remain vulnerable. How does this intersect with ongoing conflict?
Dr. Carter: This highlights a critical aspect of health crises during warfare — the intertwining of health emergencies with active conflict. While the WHO’s efforts to vaccinate over half a million children is commendable, the ongoing violence jeopardizes these public health initiatives. The remaining vulnerable children are at profound risk, especially in an area where basic healthcare infrastructure has been either damaged or destroyed due to the fighting.
Editor: It’s intriguing yet troubling that even amidst hardship, organizations like UNRWA are facing severe challenges, especially with Israel’s decision to cancel its agreement with them. What are the potential consequences of this action?
Dr. Carter: The cancellation of the agreement could have catastrophic effects on Palestinian refugees who rely on UNRWA for essential services — healthcare, education, and food aid. Philippe Lazzarini from UNRWA has rightly pointed out that this could plunge millions into chaos. UNRWA’s operations are vital for stability in the region, and without their support, the humanitarian crisis will only deepen. This political decision thus has far-reaching humanitarian consequences that may lead to increased suffering and instability.
Editor: Lastly, with the recent rejection of a temporary ceasefire by Hamas, what do you see as the next steps for peace negotiations, if any?
Dr. Carter: It’s essential to analyze the dynamics between local and international players. The rejection of the ceasefire suggests a breakdown in dialogue, further entrenching positions on both sides. Continued military action without attempts at mediation is unlikely to bring about a sustainable solution. It is crucial for international parties, like the United States and the United Nations, to renew efforts and engage all stakeholders, including those within Hamas, to create a framework conducive to peace. Without this, we are likely to see prolonged conflict and exacerbation of humanitarian needs.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carter. The complexities of the Gaza situation indeed highlight the urgent need for diplomatic engagement and humanitarian aid. We appreciate your perspective and look forward to following this evolving story.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we keep the global community informed and engaged in these critical issues.