- Truce, prisoner and captive release and The heads of the US and Israeli intelligence agencies have arrived in Doha for talks with Qatari officials; the Egyptian spy chief is also in the Qatari capital.
- More people could die from disease in Gaza than from bombings if the health system is not repaired, says WHO.
- At least 11 Israeli captives held in Gaza were released on Monday, according to the Israeli military. The release felicitated by the Red Cross included six Argentinians, three French citizens and two Germans.
- Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed al-Ansari announced on Monday that the truce is extended for two additional days until Thursday morning. A Qatari official said that this means at least 20 more Israeli captives held in Gaza and 60 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons will be freed.
- Hamas has also said the truce is extended, but there has not yet been an update from Israel. However, Israel has not resumed bombardments in Gaza as of Tuesday morning.
- The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs released the names of three women and 30 children released by Israel from its military Ofer Prison on Tuesday morning.
- Released Palestinian prisoners were greeted by their families as they arrived in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday night.
- Teenage Palestinian prisoner Mohammad Nazzal told Al Jazeera that Israeli jailers beat him in prison last week, resulting in fractures on his hand and finger. He reported that no medical attention was paid to his injury until the Red Cross applied a sling after his release.
- The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on X, formerly Twitter that 50 additional Palestinian women are eligible for release from Israeli prisons. This is an addition to the list of 300 prisoners slated for release that was published before the truce deal by Israel.
- The Israeli Army Radio announced that Hamas released a new list of captives that will be freed. This is the first list that comes as a result of the extension of the truce deal. US-based news site Axios reported that the list contains 10 names. Video
Israeli crackdown in West Bank
- Four Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces on Tuesday during confrontations in the Dheisheh camp, south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Six others, including a woman, were detained in different areas of the governorate, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.
- A young Palestinian was shot and killed early on Tuesday by Israeli forces, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
- Two young Palestinian men were injured during confrontations with Israeli occupation forces in the town of Yabad, west of Jenin in the occupied West Bank. One was shot in the leg and the other was hit with a shrapnel on his head, according to Wafa.
- Two young Palestinians were injured with live bullets during an Israeli raid in the Deir Ammar refugee camp, west of Ramallah according to Wafa. Wafa reported that sources said that at the camp, Israeli forces blew up the apartment of Palestinian Daoud Abdel Razzaq Daras, 41, who was reportedly shot and killed on August 31.
Fallout of Israel-Palestine conflict
- Families of the three Palestinian students shot in the US state of Vermont said that they were targeted for being Palestinian.
- American man Jason J Eaton, 48, was ordered to be arrested without bail for shooting the three Palestinian students in Vermont. The US Department of Justice is investigating whether the shooting was a hate crime.
- Police in the Canadian city of Montreal are investigating the firebombing of a Jewish community centre that took place on Monday night.Video Duration 01 minutes 43 seconds 01:43
Gaza’s hospitals and fuel shortage
- Gaza, which has been under a complete blockade imposed by Israel, faces food, water and fuel shortages. Israeli bombardment has caused widespread damage to hospitals, schools and residential buildings. The supply of aid, including fuel, has been agreed in the truce.
- UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported that small amounts of cooking gas – about 85 tonnes per day – have reached Gaza in the last four days.
- Palestinians are resorting to lighting fires for cooking and warmth.
- Dr Hossam Abu Safiya, head of the paediatric intensive care department at the Kamal Adwan Hospital, has appealed for urgent fuel supplies for the hospital, the only medical centre in northern Gaza that is still receiving patients.
- Abu Safiya told Al Jazeera that if the hospital is not supplied with fuel within hours, there is a risk of losing patients, including premature babies.
Diplomacy
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to visit Israel, the occupied West Bank and the United Arab Emirates this week, the US State Department said on Monday.
- US President Joe Biden reiterated his call for a “two-state solution” through a poston X. “To make sure Israelis and Palestinians alike live in equal measure of freedom and dignity, we will not give up on working towards that goal,” Biden said.
- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said world leaders must work “with vigour and with urgency” to ensure that the current truce in Gaza “becomes a permanent ceasefire”. He said that the two-state solution is the only avenue for peace in the region.
- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin has called Israel’s Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant. In the conversation, Austin reiterated the need for more humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza.
- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday said there will be no “peace or security for Israel” without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Israel-Hamas temporary pause in fighting was extended yesterday by two days, as the initial four-day pause concluded successfully following last night’s captive release. Hamas said it agreed with Egypt and Qatar to extend the pause “under the same conditions reached before,” while Mark Regev, the senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said “for every 10 hostages released, we’re willing to give an extension of another day, and if Hamas will release Israeli hostages as agreed, we will extend — that’s the bottom line. My understanding is that there’s still enough women and children in Gaza held by Hamas for the next 20 (releases).” Mostafa Salem and David Shortell report for CNN.
A senior Hamas source in Qatar said that not all civilian hostages are being held by Hamas, with some being held captive by smaller groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Hamas has managed to locate 20 people held by other groups, with half of them expected to be released today and the other half tomorrow. Hamas said it needed more time to collect information and contact people. Rushdi Abu Alouf reports for BBC News.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it has received the list of hostages due to be released today, and that their families are being notified. BBC News reports.
All 11 Israeli hostages released yesterday arrived at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel’s largest acute care facility, the Israeli Ministry of Health has confirmed. There are two women and nine children in the group, with the Ministry adding that “the entire health system is prepared to receive anyone who will return to Israel And is preparing for tomorrow.” Tamar Michaelis reports for CNN.
The 33 Palestinian prisoners released last night were taken to an Israeli checkpoint near Ramallah and greeted by cheering crowds. So far, 150 Palestinians – mostly women and teenage boys – have been released from Israeli jails since Friday. Those released were chosen from a list of 300 Palestinians who are accused of offenses ranging from throwing stones to attempted murder. Less than one quarter of those on the list have been convicted, with the majority being held on remand pending trial. BBC News reports.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel will fight with stronger force when the ground operation resumes after the fighting pause. “They will first meet the bombs of the Air Force, and after that the shells of the tanks and the artillery and the paws of the D9 (bulldozers), and finally the shooting of the infantry fighters, we will fight in the entire strip,” he said, prior to the the announcement of the two-day pause extension. Tamar Michaelis, Sugam Pokharel, Abeer Salman, and Eyad Kourdi report for CNN.
A British-Palestinian surgeon who treated patients at Gaza hospitals estimates that between 700 to 900 children have had limbs amputated since the war broke out. Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, who has worked at Al-Shifa since 2009, added that he had “never seen any indication that there was something other than your typical, barely functioning, third-world, government hospital,” referencing Israel’s claims that Hamas is housing a command center underneath Al-Shifa. The surgeon has now returned to London and spoke of carrying out surgeries without basic medical supplies or anesthetics.. Simon Cullen reports for CNN.
The Israel-Hamas war has cost Israel $53 billion so far, according to its central bank in the latest forecast. Jennifer Jett reports for NBC News.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains “catastrophic and requires the urgent entry of additional aid and supplies in a smooth, predictable, and continuous manner to alleviate the unbearable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza,” the U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said in a statement today. Calls for a “full humanitarian ceasefire” were reiterated “for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel, and the wider region.”
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
Arab states and the European Union agreed at a meeting in Spain yesterday that a two-state solution was the best answer to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. E.U. Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell added that the Palestinian Authority should rule Gaza, saying “it is the only viable solution, but it will be viable if the international community backs it. Otherwise, we will see a power vacuum that will be fertile ground for all sorts of violent organizations.” Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said the Palestinian Authority, who lost control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, has “been there all the time, we have 60,000 public workers there.” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted Israel’s absence from the meeting, which highlighted “deep rifts” among nations. John Faus reports for Reuters.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahidda-Nukara is expected to land in Israel today to bring home the 17 Thai hostages freed since the hostage exchange started on Friday. Parnpree, who is also Thailand’s foreign minister, is also expected to visit three Thai nationals who were hospitalized following injuries they suffered during the Oct. 7 attacks. Fifteen Thai nationals are still being held by Hamas, according to Thai officials. BBC News reports.
US RESPONSE.
Senior US officials said Monday that the Biden admin is opposed to a second mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, as Washington further specified the conditions under which it would continue to support the IDF expanding its ground op..
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the West Bank this week, the U.S. State Department said yesterday. “In Israel and the West Bank, Secretary Blinken will discuss Israel’s right to defend itself consistent with international humanitarian law, as well as continued efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages, protect civilian life during Israel’s operations in Gaza, and accelerate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza,’ the department said. He is also expected to discuss the need for an independent Palestinian state in what will be Blinken’s third to the region since the Oct. 7 attacks. Humeyra Pamuk reports for Reuters.
A group of Senate Democrats met with senior IDF officials yesterday in the Capitol for “extremely frank” discussions. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) told reporters they wanted to be “assured they [the IDF] are abiding by American values as they try to dismantle Hamas, and we all conveyed that collectively and clearly…I do believe they heard us.” The meeting was not classified but details of the discussion remain private. “There were tough questions and very strong answers…our Israeli friends did some substantial good in explaining the challenges of conducting this war against Hamas…and there was no question about the solidarity and support of Israel,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn), while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) highlighted his view that there should be conditions on aid provided to Israel. Frank Thorp V and Megan Lebowitz report for NBC News.
The Biden administration told Israel it must work to avoid “significant further displacement” of civilians in Gaza if it renews its military campaign after the fighting pause, a senior anonymous U.S. official said. The administration highlighted to Israel it must have greater precision in southern Gaza than it did in the north, as internal divisions in the White House over the civilian casualties and mass displacement continues. Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller report for AP News.
The White House does not believe Hamas intentionally held back two American hostages who were due to be released yesterday, a senior official has said. It is hoped the two Americans will be released in the coming days, with the official adding that “we’ll see where we are two days from now,” referencing Hamas’ agreement to release additional hostages in that time. MJ Lee and Sam Fossum report for CNN.
The first U.S. humanitarian aid flight for Gaza is scheduled to arrive in Egypt today, according to the Biden administration. Once the plane has landed, the cargo will be transferred to the United Nation, which will then transport the aid to Gaza. A senior U.S. official said it is the first of three planned U.S. flights, and that “this will be to bring a series of items, medical items, food aid, winter items, given that winter is coming in Gaza.” Ghael Fobes and Megan Lebowitz report for NBC News.
Egyptian-American businessman Wael Hana, who assisted in the shipping of U.S. shipping aid for the Egyptian military in 2015, has been revealed to have more extensive ties to the Egyptian government than it first appeared, amid accusations of bribing Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). In September, U.S. authorities charged Hana bribing Menendez and his wife in exchange for actions which assisted Egypt, including the provision of military aid. U.S. authorities are now investigating Hana as part of a counterintelligence probe, according to anonymous sources. Hana has pleaded not guilty and denied all accusations thus far. Menendez and his wife have also pleaded not guilty to bribery and foreign agent charges. Shawn Boburg, Claire Parker, Terrence McCoy, and Marina Dias report for the Washington Post.
Israel at a Crossroads: Biden’s Peace Push, Ceasefire Strains, and Musk’s Diplomatic Foray
Biden Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Two-State Solution in Middle East.
In light of the study on reassessing U.S. strategies in the Middle East, the recent statement by U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan gains significance. Sullivan confirmed President Biden’s administration’s dedication to a two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian peace. This commitment aligns with the study’s emphasis on resolving the Gaza conflict through political means and strategic regional cooperation. The administration’s stance also resonates with the study’s call for a balanced approach to Middle Eastern affairs, including the Israel-Palestine issue, which is pivotal for regional stability and U.S. interests.
Netanyahu and Hamas Grapple with Ceasefire Complexities as Israel Targets Hamas Leadership in Gaza Operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu briefed President Biden on potential resumption of military operations in Gaza after the ceasefire, while also considering continued prisoner releases. Concurrently, Hamas is advocating for an extension of the ceasefire, to secure additional prisoner releases.
The temporary truce in Gaza is proving challenging for the Israeli army. Israel, citing security concerns in combat zones, is restricting the movement of Palestinians attempting to return to the northern regions. This restriction is aimed at maintaining Israel’s military effectiveness but is complicated by the return of civilians, increasing the likelihood of unintended harm. There is concern among Israeli officials and analysts that Hamas could use this period of ceasefire to disrupt Israel’s military plans and rebuild its capabilities. Additionally, the terms of the ceasefire, including hostage exchanges, present Israel with operational challenges, amidst fears of losing military advantage and facing global pressure for more comprehensive agreements. The situation is particularly complex in northern Gaza, an area significantly affected by the conflict.
Sinwar, playing a significant role in prisoner exchange decisions, has personally visited Israeli detainees in a tunnel in Gaza, reassuring them in Hebrew about their safety. During this ceasefire, the Israeli military faces challenges such as the return of displaced Palestinians and maintaining military readiness.
Despite temporary ceasefires, Israel’s offensive, especially in Khan Yunis, continues. The IDF and Shin Bet have significantly disrupted Hamas’ strategic capabilities by eliminating five senior commanders.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas prisoner exchange, coinciding with a 4-day truce in Gaza, has seen a rise in Palestinian detainee numbers and fatalities in the West Bank. Military spokesman Avichay Adraee and Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi have said the Israeli forces will resume their operations against Hamas following the prisoner exchange. Amidst these tensions, a significant UN aid delivery to northern Gaza addresses urgent needs, highlighting the complex interplay of military action, diplomatic negotiations, and humanitarian concerns in the region.
Qatar Engages in Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations During Truce Discussions.
Qatari intelligence officers are currently in Israel, discussing the Gaza truce and a complex hostage situation, despite the lack of official diplomatic relations between the two nations. As part of the proposed extension of the Gaza truce, Israel has set a “one-for-three” release condition, offering to exchange 40 Israelis for 150 Palestinian prisoners. This agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., follows Israel’s release of 78 Palestinian prisoners and Hamas’ release of 26 Israelis and 15 non-Israeli foreigners. Israel has confirmed that approximately 240 captives were taken during a Hamas attack.
The 13 Israeli captives released from Hamas captivity in Gaza after the October 7 attack have recounted their experiences, describing harsh conditions but no physical torture. They reported days without food, limited bathroom access, and frequent relocations, sleeping on benches.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, in an interview with the Financial Times, stated that Hamas denies capturing civilians during the recent conflict, attributing this to other armed groups. He revealed that over 40 women and children are still detained in Gaza, but not by Hamas. This statement, however, contradicts the known facts of the October 7 attack, where all forces involved were under Hamas’ command. Israel, in response to Qatar’s claims, provided a list of over 90 captives and indicated readiness to prolong the truce if more detainees are released by Hamas. This development suggests a complex coordination between Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement in resolving the hostage situation.
An Israeli captive, Daniel Aloni, in a farewell letter to Al-Qassam Brigades, expressed gratitude for the humane treatment received during captivity, acknowledging kindness towards her daughter, Emilia. IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari mentioned gathering information from each captive to understand their individual experiences, though this information will not be publicly released.
The Harrowing Plight of Women and Captives in Gaza.
In Gaza, amidst the ongoing conflict, pregnant women face a severe health crisis. Out of 540,000 women of childbearing age, 50,000 are pregnant and grappling with inadequate health services. The World Health Organization has raised alarms about increased maternal mortality due to insufficient care, with the war exacerbating the situation, leading to heightened stress, fetal deaths, premature births, and unanesthetized cesarean sections. The release of Maysoon Musa Al-Jabali, the oldest female Palestinian prisoner, along with 33 children in a Hamas-Israel exchange deal, highlights the harsh conditions Palestinian detainees face in Israeli prisons, especially since October 7th, including allegations of beatings, gas attacks, and severe food scarcity.
Conversely, the experiences of 13 Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza present a different aspect of the conflict. During their 49-day captivity, they endured isolation, scarce food supplies leading to significant weight loss, and harsh living conditions. Meirav Raviv, a relative of some hostages, shared their struggles, including days without food, long waits for bathroom access, and frequent relocations in small cars. The psychological and physical toll on these hostages was profound, as they were isolated from the outside world until their release under the same exchange agreement.
Both narratives, though distinct in context and perspective, underscore the human cost of ongoing conflicts. The ordeal of the Israeli hostages, detailed by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, emphasizes the importance of individual testimonies in understanding the complexities of captivity. The release of these captives marks the end of a distressing chapter for their families, but the broader narrative of captivity and its consequences continues to unfold in the region.