Military escalation, peace plan, and humanitarian aid in tatters
Mourning in Gaza: at least 31 dead in new strikes
Israeli forces killed 31 Palestinians in raids on Gaza on Tuesday, according to medical sources cited by the Associated Press. Among the victims were civilians in densely populated areas, as the population endures a war that spares no corner.
US peace plan: promises, threats and skepticism
President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which notably proposes a ceasefire, the return of all hostages within 72 hours of the plan's acceptance, and international governance of Gaza under a "Board of Peace" led by himself and former leaders like Tony Blair. The plan would exclude Hamas from power, a sine qua non condition for its implementation. Cited by Reuters, this plan has already received Benjamin Netanyahu's approval, but has met with rejection and mistrust from Palestinians and other Arab leaders.
Negotiations between the United States and Israel are reportedly close to completion, according to a senior official cited by media, leaving Hamas as the last obstacle before a possible ceasefire agreement.
Humanitarian aid blockade: Zikim cut off, famine worsened
Since the closure of the Zikim supply corridor in northern Gaza, humanitarian consequences have intensified. The closure has halted nearly half of the UN's food deliveries, forcing community kitchens and clinics to suspend their activities. In famine-stricken areas, food shortages have reached a critical threshold, according to humanitarian agencies.
Targeted humanitarian flotilla and European role
The Global Sumud flotilla, composed of about fifty civilian vessels, reported drone attacks south of Greece, causing explosions and communication disruptions, according to the AP. No injuries were reported, but material damage was recorded.
In support of the volunteers, Italy and Spain have deployed military ships to accompany and secure the convoy's passage to Gaza. However, Reuters reports that Italy might withdraw its navy if the flotilla gets too close to the Gazan coast, citing a high risk of Israeli attack.
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