A Qatari-brokered agreement on Wednesday facilitated the departure of a group of foreigners and critically injured individuals from the Gaza Strip, while Israeli forces continued their offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
This agreement was forged through negotiations involving Egypt, Israel, and Hamas.
Israeli airstrikes struck a densely populated refugee camp in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of numerous Palestinians. Medics faced significant challenges in providing care to the wounded in an area where essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medical resources have become increasingly scarce.
According to the Gaza health ministry, the Israeli air and artillery attacks have led to the loss of more than 8,500 Palestinian lives, with approximately two-thirds of the victims being women and children.
Communications, Internet services completely cut off in Gaza
On Wednesday, the Palestine Telecommunication Company, also known as Paltel, conveyed via a post on the messaging platform X that the Gaza Strip has experienced a complete disruption of communications and internet services, primarily stemming from the disconnection of international access once again.
“We regret to inform our fellow citizens in our beloved homeland that communication and internet services in Gaza have been entirely disrupted,” announced the Palestine Telecommunications Company (Paltel) on X.
Israeli airstrikes struck a densely populated refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 50 Palestinian lives. Medics faced significant challenges in providing aid in an environment where essential supplies like food and fuel are in short supply.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem denied the presence of any senior commanders in the camp and deemed the claim an Israeli justification for civilian casualties. Palestinian health officials reported at least 50 Palestinians killed and 150 wounded in this devastating incident.
A Hamas statement suggested a higher casualty toll, with 400 dead and injured in Jabalia, a place where families of refugees from conflicts with Israel dating back to 1948 reside.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Egypt is making preparations to receive wounded Palestinians from the heavily bombarded Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing for necessary medical treatment. Medical teams will be present at the crossing to assess and direct cases to appropriate hospitals.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel for meetings with government officials and will make additional stops in the region in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Furthermore, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles and armed aircraft at Israel, exacerbating tensions in the region.
Bolivia announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Israel due to its attacks on the Gaza Strip. Additionally, neighboring countries Colombia and Chile recalled their ambassadors to Israel for consultations in response to the ongoing conflict.
