The armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, Al-Quds Brigades, claimed responsibility for detonating a powerful explosive device against an Israeli military vehicle in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood. The group reported observing Israeli soldiers being evacuated from the scene. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 60 people were killed and 343 wounded in the past 24 hours alone. This brings the total reported casualties since October 7, 2023, to over 62,000 dead and 156,000 injured. The Gaza Government Media Office also reported that the death toll among journalists has risen to 239, following the death of journalist Islam al-Koumi. Munir Al-Bursh, Director General of the Gaza Health Ministry, warned of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe, describing the situation as a "total health genocide." He stated that 266 people, including 112 children, have died from starvation, with one child reportedly dying every 40 minutes. On the diplomatic front, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari described Hamas's response to the latest ceasefire proposal as "positive and nearly identical to what Israel had previously agreed to." Qatar and Egypt have received the response and are awaiting Israel's reply. Al-Ansari said the atmosphere was "encouraging" and that the goal remains to secure a ceasefire as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reiterated Israel's demand for the release of all 50 hostages still held in Gaza. The Israeli news outlet Walla reported that the military is preparing to present Defense Minister Yisrael Katz with a plan to occupy Gaza City. International pressure on Israel continues to build. Denmark's foreign minister stated that recognition of a Palestinian state is "a matter of time," while Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized Netanyahu's policies for "isolating Israel and harming international peace efforts." The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, citing diplomatic sources, reported that France remains committed to a two-state solution and has rejected Netanyahu's recent remarks about "Greater Israel." Israel's National Security Council convened on Monday to consider its response to the growing wave of international recognition of Palestine. Marking World Humanitarian Day, Hamas called on the international community to take meaningful action, urging governments to pressure Israel to open Gaza's border crossings and end what it called "genocide and starvation." The group said that "mere condemnations are no longer acceptable in the face of Israeli crimes."
