The King Hussein Bridge border crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank has reopened to travelers but remains closed to commercial activity following the killing of three Israeli workers by a Jordanian truck driver. UN Secretary General António Guterres commented on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire. The third phase of the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is set to begin, aiming to reach 640,000 children.
In Al-Mawasi, a humanitarian zone in Gaza, a deadly Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of 40 people and injury of 60 others. The Israeli military claims to have targeted Hamas terrorists operating within a command center in the area.
The humanitarian situation in Al-Mawasi remains dire, with overcrowding, lack of basic services, and unsanitary conditions. The vast majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced multiple times, with 86% of the territory under evacuation orders by the IDF.
Hamas has denied the presence of militants at the site of the attack in Al-Mawasi, rejecting accusations of using civilian areas for military purposes. A large search and rescue operation is underway at the camp, with dozens reported killed.
The broader Middle East crisis includes Israeli airstrikes on Syria, Benny Gantz calling for a shift in focus towards Hezbollah, and the UN urging action on Israel’s actions in the occupied territories. Australia is coordinating with allies to pressure Israel to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority held a funeral procession for an American-Turkish activist killed by Israeli forces.
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