Israel struck Gaza on Monday, with blasts reported in the south of the territory, but fighting had largely subsided due to an army-declared pause for aid flows. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved his war cabinet, after the resignation of centrist leader Benny Gantz, with duties now taken over by the security cabinet. Hamas initiated the conflict in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, by an AFP tally.
The daytime pause for aid deliveries around a southern Gaza route appeared to be holding on Monday, with low daily death tolls reported. Hamas militants also seized hostages, resulting in a retaliatory offensive by Israel killing thousands in Gaza and causing widespread destruction. Witnesses heard blasts in Gaza City, but strikes and shelling have decreased elsewhere in the territory. Troops continue close-quarters combat in Rafah and central Gaza, with efforts to eliminate Hamas ongoing.
UN aid access to Gaza remains limited due to insecurity, closed crossing points, and Israeli procedural delays. US President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire plan, but Hamas and Israel have opposing demands for ending the conflict. Israel awaits a response from Hamas on a potential ceasefire agreement.
