The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced that six newborns have died in the Gaza Strip, while several others remain in critical condition in hospitals due to severe cold and a lack of heating. Hamas attributed these deaths to what it described as the criminal policies of the Israeli occupation, accusing Israel of blocking the entry of humanitarian aid and essential shelter materials.
The movement criticized the international community’s silence in response to the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade and military aggression. Hamas urged mediators to intervene immediately, calling on them to pressure Israel to halt its violations of the ceasefire agreement and implement the humanitarian provisions within it. The group emphasized the urgency of allowing shelter materials, heating supplies, and medical aid into Gaza to prevent further deaths. Hamas also underscored that over 17,000 children have died in Gaza since the start of the war.
As the ceasefire in Gaza reaches its 38th day, Israeli authorities are reportedly considering a new proposal regarding the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. According to Hamas, the release of agreed-upon Palestinian detainees has been delayed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since last Saturday.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israel is pressuring Hamas to hand over the bodies of four Israeli detainees before the deadline on Thursday, as stipulated in the original agreement. Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) revealed that Israel is seeking to extend the first phase of the agreement for an additional 42 days without committing to a permanent ceasefire. The report quoted an unnamed Israeli official stating that during this extension, negotiations would continue on the second phase of the agreement and a potential ceasefire.
Despite the ongoing truce, Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, have hinted at the possibility of resuming military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu stated that Israel remains “ready to return to the highest levels of fighting at any moment.”
For its part, Hamas has refused to engage in any new negotiations before Israel completes the previously agreed-upon prisoner releases. Mahmoud Mardawi, a senior Hamas official, affirmed on Sunday that the group will not enter discussions through mediators (Egypt and Qatar) until all agreed-upon Palestinian prisoners are freed.
Despite the ceasefire and the prisoner exchange agreement, the Israeli army launched an airstrike on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, claiming that a rocket was fired from the area and fell within Gaza’s borders. The Israeli army radio reported that the airstrike targeted the launch site in Rafah, marking yet another violation of the ceasefire agreement signed last month.
The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that two more bodies arrived at Gaza’s hospitals, including one that had been recovered after an earlier attack. Two additional injuries were also recorded within the past 24 hours.
The ministry’s daily statistical report confirmed that a large number of casualties remain trapped under rubble and in inaccessible areas, as ambulance and civil defense teams are unable to reach them.
As of the latest update, the death toll from the Israeli aggression has reached 48,248, with 111,761 wounded since 7 October 2023. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, as calls for urgent international intervention grow louder.
