The Palestinian news agency Wafa reports that at least 25 civilians have been killed in Israeli bombardments across various areas of the Gaza Strip since dawn today. Among the victims are eight people who were awaiting humanitarian aid.
Separately, three more individuals have died from malnutrition in Gaza, according to a statement from Munir al-Barsh, the director general of the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry, as reported by Al Jazeera. The ministry states this brings the total number of starvation-related deaths in the territory to 266, including 122 children.
In diplomatic developments, Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, stated that the ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas yesterday largely mirrors a previous plan approved by Israel. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said Hamas had given a “very positive response, largely reiterating” a plan “previously accepted by Israel” concerning a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, a Panamanian-flagged ship carrying 1,200 tonnes of food supplies for Gaza is approaching the port of Ashdod in southern Israel, according to the Times of Israel. The vessel set sail from Cyprus yesterday.
Tensions also flared between Israel and Australia after Canberra indicated it would recognize a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, a “weak politician” in a post on his official X account, stating, “History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australian Jews.”