- The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza opened, allowing 20 aid trucks to enter the besieged enclave. However, humanitarian groups stress that this initial aid is insufficient to meet the urgent needs.
- The 20 aid trucks will be positioned between the Egyptian gate and the Palestinian gate, and the aid will be distributed across the Gaza Strip from United Nations warehouses.
- Israel continued its heavy bombardment of Gaza targets throughout the night, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to “fight until victory” after the release of the first two captives by Hamas.
- The released American captives, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie, were abducted by Hamas during its October 7 attack on southern Israel. They were released “for humanitarian reasons” following Qatari mediation efforts.
- Israel maintains a “complete siege” of Gaza and insists it will not be lifted until Israeli hostages are freed.
Human Impact:
- The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 4,200, with approximately 70% of the casualties being women and children. Over 13,000 people have been injured.
- About 1,400 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas attacks on October 7, and more than 4,000 people have been injured.
- Israel has urged its citizens to leave Egypt and Jordan immediately and avoid traveling to other regional countries due to heightened tensions related to the Gaza conflict.
- An estimated 200 Israelis, including 30 teenagers, young children, and 20 individuals over the age of 60, are reportedly held captive in Gaza, according to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan.
