Israeli Military Investigates Soldiers’ Use of Palestinians as Human Shields: Report

In a significant development, the Israeli military has confirmed it is investigating allegations that its soldiers used Palestinian civilians as human shields during operations in Gaza. According to a report from CNN, the Israeli military acknowledged “reasonable suspicion” that this practice could have occurred, marking the first time the military has admitted to such allegations.

“In several cases, the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division opened investigations after reasonable suspicion arose regarding the use of Palestinians for military missions during the operations,” the Israeli military told CNN. Although the scale and scope of these incidents are still under investigation, reports suggest this practice may have been widespread across Gaza.

An Israeli soldier had previously shared with CNN that his unit forced a Palestinian man to enter a building before them to ensure that any potential booby traps would detonate first. This practice, reportedly referred to by the Israeli military as the “mosquito protocol,” highlights the troubling use of civilians in military operations.

In addition, Al Jazeera has reported multiple instances of Palestinians being used as human shields in the occupied West Bank, further raising concerns about the treatment of civilians during military operations.

UK PM Keir Starmer ‘Really Appalled’ by Israel Blocking Gaza Aid

During a recent Prime Minister’s Questions session in Parliament, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his strong disapproval of Israel’s decision to block vital aid from entering the Gaza Strip. Independent politician Zarah Sultana had previously criticized Israel for its actions, calling the blockade “further evidence of genocide.”

Sultana emphasized that Israel’s actions have resulted in collective punishment for over two million people, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Starmer responded, saying, “I’m really appalled by Israel blocking aid when it is needed at greater volume and speed than it’s ever been needed.” He also warned that blocking the entry of goods, supplies, and power could be a violation of international humanitarian law.

Families of Captives Call on Israeli PM to Reinstigate Gaza’s Electricity Supplies

Families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have appealed directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to reinstate electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip. Israel had previously announced it would cut power to a key desalination plant, worsening the already dire conditions in Gaza.

The families argue that cutting electricity not only affects the civilian population in Gaza but also puts their loved ones, held in captivity, at further risk. They are considering taking this issue to Israel’s High Court, though they fear little change will come due to the wartime rules the Israeli government is operating under.

‘I Have Never Seen Anything Close to What I Have Seen in Gaza’ – UN Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi

Muhannad Hadi, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, has described the situation in Gaza as “unprecedented” and “heartbreaking.” Hadi, who has worked in humanitarian aid for over 30 years, said that the ongoing crisis in Gaza has been more painful than any other situation he has encountered. He described the plight of women, particularly pregnant women, who have to endure dangerous and painful journeys just to access basic sanitation facilities.

Hadi also recounted a meeting with an elderly Gaza resident who told him, “We are two million zombies, the family ties are broken, community ties are broken, society is broken.” These harrowing words highlight the deep emotional and societal trauma the people of Gaza continue to experience.

Gaza’s Death Toll Rises Amid Escalating Conflict

The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that the death toll from Israel’s ongoing military campaign has continued to rise. In a statement, the Ministry confirmed 12 additional fatalities and 14 new injuries in just the past 24 hours. This brings the total confirmed death toll from Israeli attacks since October 7 to at least 48,515, with more than 111,000 others wounded. However, the Government Media Office in Gaza estimates that the death toll may have surpassed 61,000, with many still trapped under rubble.

‘I Don’t Want to Imagine the Scenario Where Ceasefire Talks Fail,’ Says Humanitarian Leader

Muhannad Hadi has warned of an impending disaster if ceasefire talks in Doha fail. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hadi expressed his concern that the people of Gaza, already living in extreme conditions, will face further devastation if the ceasefire does not hold. He emphasized the need for both protection and access to humanitarian aid, describing the situation as a race against time.

“There’s no currency in Gaza, there’s no income, and people are just struggling to survive,” said Hadi, stressing that if the aid blockade is not lifted, the situation could become even more dire.

Total Economic Collapse as Basic Supplies Run Out in Gaza

The economic situation in Gaza has reached a breaking point, with basic supplies running out and many charitable kitchens closing due to lack of resources. The markets are virtually empty, and whatever goods are left are unaffordable for most residents. Local leaders and organizations are calling the ongoing blockade a form of collective punishment, with Gaza’s economy in a state of total collapse.

Children in Gaza Will Die Unless Israel Lifts Blockade, Warns Aid Group

Islamic Relief has condemned Israel’s power cut to Gaza, calling it “another cruel act of collective punishment.” The organization warned that the blockade, combined with power cuts, would prevent the population from accessing clean water, essential healthcare, and medical supplies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) echoed these concerns, stating that its teams are now rationing the limited supplies available.

Watch: Why is Israel Trying to Rewrite the Gaza Ceasefire?

Former Israeli government adviser Daniel Levy discusses why Israel has been actively working to undermine the ceasefire in Gaza. According to Levy, Israel continues to shift its goals, preventing a true resolution to the conflict. The second phase of the ceasefire, which calls for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the end of the war, remains elusive.

Palestinian Victims of Israeli Sexual Abuse Testify at UN

In a harrowing development, several Palestinian victims who endured brutal abuse in Israeli detention facilities and at the hands of Israeli settlers have testified at the UN. One of the victims, Said Abdel Fattah, a 28-year-old nurse detained in November 2023, shared his harrowing experience of being tortured and sexually abused during his captivity. This testimony sheds light on the ongoing abuses faced by Palestinians under Israeli detention.

Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing crisis. Keep checking morningislam.com for the latest developments.

• Source: ALJAZEERA