• Hamas’s military arm, the Qassam Brigades, reports targeting four Israeli tanks in southern Gaza with rocket-propelled grenades during ongoing intense fighting. The attacks occurred in the Jourat al-Aqqad and al-Amal neighborhoods, and Hamas released a video showing their fighters attacking Israeli tanks and bulldozers.
• Israeli forces have launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting buildings, observation posts, and military sites of the Hezbollah militia. Israel claims to have attacked Hezbollah’s operational headquarters and infrastructure. Additionally, launches from Lebanon into northern Israel were reported.
• According to Save the Children, children in Gaza are disproportionately affected by the conflict, experiencing high casualty rates. Israel’s bombardment has resulted in numerous child casualties and critical injuries, leading to lifelong disabilities. A 2022 study by Save the Children revealed elevated levels of emotional distress among Palestinian children in Gaza, with a majority experiencing depression and hopelessness.
• The head of the CIA is set to meet officials from France, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel amid reports of progress in a potential deal to temporarily halt Israel’s attacks, with a focus on exchanging prisoners.
• President Biden stated that Iran-backed militant groups were responsible for the drone attack that killed three US service members near the Syria-Jordan border. While acknowledging the ongoing investigation, Biden did not provide specific evidence linking the attack to the groups. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-aligned factions, claimed responsibility for attacking three US bases in Syria, citing retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza as a motive.
• Jordan’s foreign minister urges countries to reinstate funds for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He argues that allegations against 12 out of 13,000 UNRWA staff members should not lead to collective punishment, emphasizing UNRWA’s crucial role in supporting over 2 million Palestinians facing starvation in Gaza.
• National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announces the extension of firearm permits for Israelis by six months. The decision comes as Israeli civilians have armed themselves in record numbers since October 7, and the government has worked to loosen firearm licensing requirements.
