World
Recent Developments in Gaza: Palestinian Detainees Released and Projectile Attacks
Stay updated on the latest news from Gaza as Palestinian detainees are released and projectile attacks continue. Learn about the recent developments in the region.
Release of Palestinian Detainees
Israel has released at least 55 Palestinians detained in Gaza, which includes the director of the main hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmia. Abu Selmia was taken into custody in November during an Israeli raid at Shifa Hospital. Following his release, Abu Selmia accused Israeli authorities of subjecting Palestinian detainees to daily physical and psychological humiliation, a claim that Israeli authorities have refuted.
Israeli officials accuse Hamas and other militant groups of using hospitals for military purposes, while Palestinian health officials argue that Israeli raids have led to the closure or significant reduction of services in several hospitals, endangering civilians. Hospitals can lose their protection under international law if they are utilized for military activities.
Projectiles Fired at Israel from Gaza
The Israeli military reported that approximately 20 projectiles were launched from Gaza towards communities near the border. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Despite being nearly nine months into Israel’s extensive offensive in Gaza, sporadic rocket attacks by Palestinian militants persist, albeit at a reduced intensity.
Militants have regrouped in heavily damaged areas of Gaza where Israeli ground troops previously operated. Recent fighting has erupted in the north, resulting in the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, according to the United Nations. The ongoing conflict began with Hamas’ attack, leading to significant casualties and subsequent Israeli military actions.
Since the start of the war, over 37,700 people in Gaza have lost their lives due to Israeli offensives and bombardments, as reported by the territory’s Health Ministry. The war has severely disrupted the flow of essential goods to Gaza, causing the population to rely heavily on aid. The United Nations has raised concerns about a potential risk of genocide in Gaza, a claim vehemently denied by Israel.