Al-Monitor: First stop for understanding the Middle East in 2024

US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited a controversial aid distribution site in Gaza to assess the humanitarian situation amid reports of violence and starvation. Criticism arose from Gazans and observers who labeled the visit a "media stunt," while Human Rights Watch condemned the militarized aid distribution system, calling for an end to the lethal force used against civilians. Want More Context? 🔎

Gaza faces an unprecedented water crisis exacerbated by nearly 22 months of war, with over 80% of its water infrastructure damaged, leading to severe shortages and contamination. Residents struggle to access clean water, facing health risks from brackish groundwater and sewage flooding, while aid workers emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and infrastructure repair. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for help in aiding hostages in Gaza, following the release of distressing videos showing two emaciated captives. In response, Hamas said it would allow access to the hostages only if humanitarian corridors for aid were established, while the situation remains dire as Israel's military actions continue to result in civilian casualties. Want More Context? 🔎

More than 50 migrants, primarily believed to be Ethiopian, died when their boat capsized off Yemen's Abyan province amid bad weather, with only 10 survivors rescued. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the incident as "heartbreaking" and highlighted the urgent need for better protections for migrants on perilous journeys, noting over 60,000 migrants have arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone. Want More Context? 🔎

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized Israel's blockade of Gaza, highlighting its role in causing famine and civilian deaths during a recent visit. He urged for a significant change in the humanitarian situation, warning of potential diplomatic isolation for Israel while advocating for the return of international aid groups to address the crisis. Want More Context? 🔎

A former deputy prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Graham Blewitt, asserted that evidence of genocide in Gaza is compelling, likening it to the Srebrenica massacre. He criticized the lack of proportionality in Israeli airstrikes, raised concerns about political efforts to protect Israeli leaders from prosecution, and expressed frustration over the current state of international justice amid ongoing scrutiny by the International Court of Justice. Want More Context? 🔎