The Israeli occupation army continues its intensive operations across the Gaza Strip, causing mounting casualties each day amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe and looming famine. International warnings about an imminent total collapse in Gaza are growing increasingly urgent. In the past 24 hours alone, Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that 47 Palestinians were killed and 388 wounded, bringing the total number of deaths since the war began on 7 October to more than 54,927, with over 126,615 injured. Monday was among the deadliest days to date, with 69 fatalities recorded, including women, children, and civilians waiting for aid near Israeli-operated distribution points. Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted civilians queuing for food aid across multiple locations, including the Netzarim corridor, west of Rafah. Palestinian sources reported that Israeli military cranes opened fire in the area, leading to further casualties. The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis is now out of service due to sustained bombardment and a critical lack of medical supplies, placing the lives of thousands of patients at immediate risk. Meanwhile, Israel's seizure of the humanitarian ship Madelene in international waters has triggered international backlash. The vessel, part of the Freedom Flotilla carrying aid and activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces. According to a statement from the flotilla, passengers were taken to a detention centre at Ben Gurion Airport, where they await deportation. On the diplomatic front, former US President Donald Trump claimed that "massive" negotiations are currently underway involving the United States, Israel, Hamas, and Iran to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages. "We want the hostages back—that's what I can tell you," Trump said, offering no further details. However, according to Axios, citing both US and Israeli officials, no major breakthrough is expected in this week's ceasefire talks. While there has been limited progress in encouraging Hamas to adjust its stance on the latest US proposal, officials remain pessimistic about any immediate agreement. In a fresh security development, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in northern Gaza—specifically targeting the neighbourhoods of Al-Karama, Al-Nahda, Abdul Rahman, and Jabalia. The military warned of "extremely powerful operations" aimed at what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in the area. In a controversial revelation, the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Israel's domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, has recruited a criminal gang in Gaza known as "Abu Shabab" to assert control over certain districts. The gang—allegedly involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities—has reportedly been armed with weapons confiscated from Hamas and Hezbollah. The recruitment strategy, reportedly discussed at senior security levels, is being viewed by Shin Bet as a possible template for "alternative governance" in the enclave. On the international stage, the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The statement specifically criticised Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of "fuelling violence and inciting human rights abuses." While reaffirming their support for a two-state solution, the signatories warned that continued settlement expansion and violence against Palestinians threaten to extinguish any remaining hopes for peace.
