Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar aims to reduce Hamas’s power in Gaza, as over 630 humanitarian aid trucks enter the region amid ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the Houthi militia in Yemen has decreased attacks on maritime targets following a Gaza ceasefire. Israel’s Finance Minister advocates for full control over Gaza, while incidents of violence occur in the West Bank. Israel releases 90 Palestinian detainees, and a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Berlin results in arrests.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is determined to diminish Hamas’s influence in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations reports that over 630 trucks filled with humanitarian aid have successfully entered the region. Stay updated with the latest developments in our live blog.
Houthi Militia in Yemen Eases Attacks on Maritime Targets
Following the ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthi militia, which supports Hamas in Yemen, has announced a reduction in its airstrikes on vessels in the area. In a recent communication to shipping companies, they stated that in the future, only ships with direct connections to Israel would be targeted, while ‘sanctions’ against other vessels would be lifted.
Since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the Houthis have reportedly attacked around 100 merchant ships using rockets and drones, asserting their support for the militant Palestinian organization. One vessel was seized, and two others were sunk, resulting in the deaths of four sailors. Many of the missiles launched by the Houthis were intercepted. The United States and Great Britain have provided military assistance to Israel, including strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
However, the Houthis have warned that if attacks on their locations in Yemen resume, they will retaliate against those nations’ maritime operations. The militia’s actions have caused a 50% drop in deliveries through the Red Sea, significantly impacting Egypt, which manages the Suez Canal linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
Israel’s Finance Minister Advocates for Full Control Over Gaza
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, has publicly called for the complete takeover of the Gaza Strip during a broadcast on Israeli military radio. As the leader of the Religious Zionist Party, Smotrich has voiced strong opposition to the ceasefire agreement proposed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, insisting that Israel must establish military governance in the region. He believes no ‘third force’ exists to maintain order there.
In addition, he has criticized the current chief of staff of the Israeli army, Herzi Halevi, claiming that Israel cannot achieve victory in Gaza under his leadership. Smotrich argues that a new leader is needed—one who fully embraces the mission of conquering the Gaza Strip and is willing to take decisive action.
Roadblocks and Settler Violence in the West Bank
Upon the nighttime return of released Palestinian prisoners to Beitunia in the West Bank, the Israeli army enforced stringent roadblocks the following morning. Reports from Palestinian sources indicate that many of the freed individuals were initially unable to return home due to closed checkpoints around various Palestinian cities, prompting them to spend the night in local hotels.
Crowds gathered during the night to welcome the returning prisoners, despite warnings from the army to Palestinians living near Israeli settlements against celebrating the event.
Incidents of violence were reported, with Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian vehicles by setting them ablaze. Molotov cocktails and stones were thrown at Palestinian villages, although early reports indicate that there were no injuries.
Israel’s Ambassador Describes Ceasefire as a ‘Pact with the Devil’
Ron Prosor, Israel’s ambassador to Germany, has characterized the ceasefire agreement with Hamas as a necessary ‘pact with the devil.’ He expressed concern over the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three hostages, stating that among them are individuals with violent pasts who might kill again. Despite this, he considers the agreement to be ‘a good start’ and a crucial step towards achieving Israel’s military objectives.
Prosor hopes that reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip will follow, but emphasizes that Hamas and its military capabilities must first be dismantled. He has cautioned that there are currently few signs from the Palestinian side indicating a willingness to engage in peaceful dialogue, particularly with those who reject the two-state solution.
Hamas Releases Propaganda Video After Hostage Release
The military wing of Hamas has circulated a propaganda video showcasing the release of three young women, which has been perceived as cynical in Israel. The footage depicts the released individuals smiling in a vehicle before their handover, adorned with ribbons that feature the word ‘Palestine’ in the colors of the Palestinian flag. They were seen receiving ‘souvenirs’ from their time in Gaza.
During the handover facilitated by the Red Cross, armed Hamas fighters surrounded the vehicles as a large crowd chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is great). Previously released hostages have described the moment of their transfer—amidst a throng of people—as extremely intimidating.
Israeli Foreign Minister: Hamas Must No Longer Govern
Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, has expressed concerns about the potential collapse of the ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. In an interview with CNN, he noted that despite images from Gaza showing Hamas still in power, it is crucial to recognize that ‘Hamas can no longer maintain control in the Gaza Strip.’ He stressed that transitioning to the next phase of peace is not guaranteed.
UN Reports Significant Aid Deliveries to Gaza
The United Nations has confirmed that hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian supplies have entered the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. In a statement on platform X, UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher revealed that over 630 trucks crossed into Gaza, with at least 300 delivering aid to the northern region.
‘We must act swiftly,’ Fletcher emphasized. ‘After 15 months of continuous conflict, the demand for humanitarian assistance is critical.’ The ceasefire arrangement, which took effect on Sunday for an initial six-week period, permits the entry of 600 aid trucks into Gaza each day.
Israel Releases 90 Palestinian Detainees
As part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israel has reportedly released 90 Palestinian prisoners. According to the prison authority, these ’90 terrorists’ were freed from the military facility in Ofer, located in the West Bank, and a detention center in Jerusalem. A significant number of the released individuals are women and minors.
Pro-Palestinian Demonstration in Berlin Concludes Prematurely
A pro-Palestinian rally held in Berlin-Neukölln following the Gaza ceasefire saw multiple arrests. Participants allegedly shouted anti-Semitic slogans and ignited pyrotechnics, prompting police action, which has thus far led to twelve arrests. Media representatives were also present at the event.