Recent Developments in the Middle East

Doctors Without Borders had to temporarily shut down its last health facility in north Gaza due to heavy fire and evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military. This closure has severely limited healthcare options for the people in northern Gaza, exacerbating an already dire situation. The Israeli military urged Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate to the south, citing ongoing combat activities.

Israel has requested the UN agency responsible for aiding Palestinians, UNRWA, to dismiss 100 of its workers who are suspected of having ties to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel sent a letter to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, providing a list of names and identification numbers of the workers in question. This move has raised concerns about the impact on the agency’s operations in Gaza, where it provides essential services.

The top White House official for Middle East affairs, Brett McGurk, held discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Israel. The talks centered around negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage release deal. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preserving Israel’s security interests in any agreements reached. Gallant highlighted the need for security guarantees along the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent Hamas from rearming through smuggling.

Houthi forces in Yemen have reportedly resumed attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea after a brief hiatus. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations received reports of explosions near vessels off the coast of Yemen. These attacks, aimed at supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel, pose a threat to maritime security in the region. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the destruction of Houthi drones and a drone boat posing a danger to U.S. and coalition forces as well as merchant vessels.