Middle East Morning Brief: Stay Updated

On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in central and southern Gaza, resulting in the death of at least 50 Palestinians, as reported by medical staff from the region’s hospitals. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged striking Hamas’s command centers throughout central Gaza.

Key developments from Saturday’s conflict include:

– Heavy casualties from airstrikes: Medical professionals reported that Israeli airstrikes in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, led to at least 44 Palestinian fatalities and numerous injuries. Footage shared with CNN depicted the aftermath, including injured children being brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and fatalities, among them an infant. The IDF confirmed targeting Hamas in the Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah areas. Additionally, in Rafah, further airstrikes resulted in at least 13 deaths, according to a hospital official.
– Potential Israeli ground assault in Rafah: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed plans for a potential ground operation in Rafah, suggesting displaced Palestinians could relocate northwards. However, with increasing airstrikes, residents attempting to flee north face dire circumstances.
– Siege at Nasser Hospital: The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that many are trapped within the Nasser medical complex in southern Gaza, including medical staff and displaced individuals. The IDF reported ongoing operations in Khan Younis, the hospital’s location, claiming to have detained around 100 suspected of terrorist activities. Israeli forces allege Hamas militants were using the hospital for cover.
– Stalled ceasefire and hostage negotiations: During the Munich Security Conference, Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani called for an immediate ceasefire, separate from hostage negotiations. Israel’s Coordinator for the Captives and the Missing, Gal Hirsch, described Hamas’s demands for a hostage deal as unrealistic, a sentiment echoed by Netanyahu.
– Global protests: In London, police detained 12 individuals during a pro-Palestinian demonstration attended by approximately 250,000 people, according to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. The protest demanded an immediate ceasefire. In Israel, protests in Tel Aviv and Caesarea saw thousands demanding Netanyahu’s resignation, with the Prime Minister urging national unity.
– US military action against Houthis: The United States announced it conducted defensive strikes against Houthi rebel targets in the Red Sea on Friday, aiming to protect US Navy and merchant vessels from an identified imminent threat. The Houthis assert their actions in the Red Sea are to pressure Israel and its allies to cease hostilities in Gaza.