Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported 48,239 fatalities and 111,676 injuries as a result of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
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Israel continues to block aid into northern Gaza!
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, forcibly displaced, are currently residing amidst the ruins of their demolished homes, awaiting Israel’s approval for the entry of prefabricated temporary housing that remains at the border with Egypt, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. Hamas has announced its intention to release three captives from Gaza on Saturday, adhering to the schedule established during discussions with ceasefire mediators from Egypt and Qatar. Israel has asserted that Hamas must free three living captives; otherwise, Israeli forces will resume military operations in the Palestinian territory. A senior official from the United Nations has compared the destruction in the Gaza Strip to that of a “massive earthquake,” emphasizing the necessity of taking measures to prevent an ongoing “humanitarian catastrophe.” The Health Ministry of Gaza has reported 48,239 fatalities resulting from Israel’s military actions, with 111,676 individuals injured. The Government Media Office has revised its death toll to a minimum of 61,709, indicating that many individuals missing under the debris are now presumed deceased. In Israel, at least 1,139 individuals lost their lives during the attacks on October 7, 2023, with over 200 individuals taken captive.
Israeli forces have killed 25 Palestinians in Jenin, West Bank, over the past 25 days, according to a report.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa reports that Israeli forces have been conducting operations in the city and refugee camp of Jenin in the occupied West Bank for the 25th consecutive day.
These operations have resulted in the deaths of 25 Palestinians, numerous injuries, and extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the region.
According to local sources cited by Wafa, 470 facilities and homes have been either completely or partially destroyed as a result of the ongoing operations, leaving residents without access to electricity or water.
Educational institutions and health services have been closed, and Israeli forces have prevented water from reaching the four primary hospitals in the area.
In Gaza, families returning to their neighborhoods are confronted with scenes that are barely recognizable.
Survival has become an unyielding struggle, with food in short supply, clean water being a rare commodity, and medical care nearly unavailable.
Amid this humanitarian crisis, UNRWA and UNICEF are working tirelessly to address the overwhelming needs of the population.
Several Palestinians who received aid packages from UNICEF in Gaza shared their experiences.
Tamer Mahmoud al-Breikan stated, “Today, I came to collect a parcel containing cleaning materials and other supplies. These items are beneficial for families and should last for about three to four months. I am truly grateful for the efforts of the donors. The parcel includes diapers, towels, chlorine, shampoo, and other essential items that are not available in the market.”
Tamer Naeem al-Eryan remarked, “Many items are unavailable in the markets. We owe our gratitude to UNICEF for these parcels. I received a notification on my mobile to go to Deir el-Balah to collect a parcel of cleaning materials and other supplies. We appreciate all those who support us. This is the first time we have received such a parcel for hygiene care.”
Jailan Naeem al-Eryan expressed, “I am from Khan Younis. Today, I received a message for the first time inviting me to collect a parcel of cleaning materials and other supplies.”
A Palestinian prisoner has reportedly been subjected to “horrific torture and abuse” while in an Israeli prison, according to a report.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office (ASRA) has indicated that the International Covenant Foundation is holding the Israeli prison administration accountable for the treatment of 59-year-old Palestinian inmate Abbas Al-Sayed from Tulkarem. This follows a testimony from a fellow prisoner at Ramon prison, who reported that Al-Sayed endured “horrific torture and abuse.”
According to ASRA’s report published on its website, the prison administration forcibly entered Al-Sayed’s cell, inflicted severe physical violence upon him, and subsequently relocated him to an undisclosed location.
Reports indicate that Al-Sayed has been subjected to a vicious assault, with the prison administration reportedly removing him to punishment cells each night, restraining his hands and feet, and compelling him to sleep on his stomach for extended periods in frigid conditions.
Additionally, it has been reported that Al-Sayed is suffering from scabies, which has led to the development of boils across his body; however, the prison administration has denied him necessary medical treatment.
Israel has accused Lebanon of failing to fulfill its ceasefire obligations, according to recent statements.
The Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, has reported that the United States has informed Lebanon of Israel’s intention to withdraw from the villages it currently occupies along the border. However, Israel has indicated that it will maintain positions on hilltops located within Lebanese territory.
Consequently, a complete withdrawal is not anticipated by the newly established deadline of February 18, which has been set for Israeli forces to exit Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy in the region as part of the ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli military asserts that Lebanon has yet to fulfill its obligations, particularly in terms of pushing Hezbollah away from the border. Israeli officials contend that Lebanon has not succeeded in disarming Hezbollah or preventing its rearmament.
The ceasefire agreement alludes to prior United Nations resolutions that called for such actions. There is a new leadership and a shift in the balance of power in Lebanon that does not favor Hezbollah. This new leadership is committed to extending state authority throughout the country. However, this endeavor is fraught with challenges, as a lack of cooperation from Hezbollah could lead to instability.
On Saturday, the Israeli government must address the concerns of its domestic constituents. Marc Owen Jones, an associate professor of media analytics at Northwestern University in Qatar, informed Al Jazeera that he anticipates Israel will proceed with the planned exchange of prisoners and captives on Saturday.
He stated, “I believe that all necessary preparations have been made, including the mobilization of troops in anticipation of a potential escalation of the conflict.” He emphasized the importance for the Israeli government to continue securing the return of captives to alleviate domestic concerns.
Jones noted that the safest approach for Israel would be to maintain the ceasefire as it stands; however, he cautioned that this may not prevent future violations of the ceasefire or an escalation of violence in Gaza.
Israeli military carries out more raids across the occupied West Bank
Israeli forces have continued their overnight and early morning operations across the occupied West Bank, as reported by the Wafa news agency and various Palestinian media outlets. These operations include:
The Israeli military’s presence in Tulkarem city, particularly in the market area and around the Al-Alemi Roundabout, where they conducted searches and patrols.
Israeli troops and vehicles invaded the eastern suburb of Thinnabeh in Tulkarem, searching residences and questioning local inhabitants.
A dawn operation was executed at the Askar refugee camp, located east of Nablus, where forces deployed tear gas and sound grenades while firing live ammunition during their search of homes. No injuries or arrests were reported.
Additionally, troops entered the town of Jaba, situated south of Jenin.
Regarding the entry of heavy machinery and mobile homes into Gaza, there has been no significant development at the two main entry points.
As observed yesterday and in the early hours of this morning, only humanitarian aid trucks carrying essential supplies, such as food, water, medical provisions, blankets, and temporary shelters, have been permitted to enter Gaza. However, this assistance remains insufficient for the civilians enduring a severe humanitarian crisis.
Medical evacuations continue, with dozens of Palestinians evacuated from Gaza yesterday for treatment in Egyptian hospitals.
Currently, heavy machinery and mobile homes remain stationed on the Egyptian side of the border, awaiting authorization from Israeli authorities to enter the Gaza Strip.
The upcoming 24 hours may serve as a critical test for the sustainability of the ceasefire agreement and Israel’s adherence to the commitments made to regional mediators.
Irish leaders have stated that a two-state solution is the “only just” resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In anticipation of this weekend’s Munich Security Conference, where the Gaza ceasefire and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will be key topics, Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin expressed his desire to address the need for “a lasting peace settlement, grounded in a two-state solution” between Israel and Palestine. Irish Deputy Premier Simon Harris indicated his intention to collaborate with Arab, European, and transatlantic partners regarding Gaza during the conference, emphasizing that this is a “critical moment for the ceasefire and hostage release agreement.” Harris, who also serves as Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, stated, “The only fair and sustainable resolution for both Palestinians and Israelis is a two-state solution.”
