Israeli signers of petitions demanding captives’ return in exchange for ending war on Gaza jump to 140,000 – Middle East Monitor

SummaryOver 40,000 infants in Gaza are at imminent risk of death due to Israel's 150-day ban on baby formula, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis amidst ongoing violence that has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Local authorities have called for urgent humanitarian aid and condemned the blockade as a form of systematic genocide, holding Israel and the international community accountable for the loss of innocent lives. Want More Context? 🔎

A Syrian government official revealed that Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze leader in Sweida, has called for an "autonomous zone," restricting aid access to only the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Amidst a humanitarian crisis, 150,000 civilians have fled to Daraa, with allegations that al-Hijri has misappropriated aid intended for those affected by recent clashes. Want More Context? 🔎

José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, criticized the global silence on the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the responsibility of Israel as the occupying force to ensure civilian survival and calling for the opening of humanitarian corridors. With aid crossings closed for over 140 days, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, highlighting the urgent need for action. Want More Context? 🔎

A series of attacks by Israeli settlers on the Ein Samia water springs in the occupied West Bank has halted water pumping operations, impacting around 40,000 Palestinian homes and leaving 160,000 residents without water. The assaults, which included damage to communications and infrastructure, have rendered the Jerusalem Water Authority unable to manage the crucial water source for 19 villages. Want More Context? 🔎

The Israeli army has dismissed and jailed three soldiers from the Nahal Infantry Brigade for refusing to return to combat in Gaza, citing a "deep internal crisis" after enduring traumatic experiences and losing comrades. Since the war's onset, military data reports 895 Israeli soldier fatalities and 6,134 injuries, while the ongoing offensive has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, drawing international condemnation and war crime allegations against Israeli leaders. Want More Context? 🔎

A senior Hamas official, Ali Baraka, accused Israel of using claims of a "humanitarian truce" to mislead international opinion while committing violence against Palestinians in Gaza, where many are suffering from starvation. He urged global and humanitarian bodies to intervene, criticizing the silence surrounding Israel's actions as complicity in ongoing atrocities against civilians. Want More Context? 🔎