Communications have been disrupted in Gaza as the top US diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, visits the Middle East. This marks the third communications blackout in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with humanitarian agencies losing contact with aid workers in the Palestinian enclave.
Paltel, a telecom company in Gaza, announced a “complete interruption” of its services due to the disconnection of main routes from the Israeli side. This interruption has hindered the ability of aid workers to carry out their crucial work on the ground. The United Nations agency supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the Palestine Red Crescent Society have also reported difficulties in reaching their teams and providing assistance.
In other major developments of the day, the Israeli military conducted a significant strike on Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure above and underground. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari provided limited details about the strike but confirmed its extensive nature. A CNN team in Sderot, southern Israel, witnessed explosions and flares in the direction of Gaza.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Blinken continued his diplomatic trip in the region. He made an unannounced visit to Iraq, where he met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The leaders discussed the importance of preventing the conflict in Gaza from spreading to other parts of the Middle East. Blinken’s visit to Iraq follows his meetings with key Arab leaders in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority president in Ramallah, where they addressed escalating settler violence in the West Bank. He is now in Turkey, concluding his tour.
Tensions also remain high at the Lebanon-Israel border, with civilian casualties reported from ongoing strikes between the Israel Defense Forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah. Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, expressed readiness for all scenarios and emphasized the importance of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. The IDF accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and playgrounds, as shields for its attacks on Israel. The claims were refuted by Palestinian authorities.
In Turkey, Turkish police intervened to disperse a pro-Palestinian protest that sought to storm an air base housing US Air Force troops. The protest, organized by the Humanitarian Relief Foundation, aimed to amplify the voice of the oppressed in Gaza and display opposition against the perceived pro-Israel stance of the United States.
Lastly, the Israeli military reported that 240 hostages are currently being held by Hamas in Gaza. This number may fluctuate based on updated intelligence.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense, the international community continues its efforts to bring about peace and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.