UN reports surge in violence
The United Nations has reported that violence in Gaza has reached its highest weekly level since a US-brokered truce came into effect on 10 October between the Israeli military and armed groups in the Palestinian territory.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said incidents including gunfire, shelling and attacks increased by 46% between 12 and 18 April compared with the previous week, citing data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The UN stated that this marks the highest recorded weekly total since the ceasefire began under the current agreement. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the reports.
According to officials, Israeli forces still control roughly half of the Gaza Strip, while Hamas maintains control over the remainder of the territory.
Rising tensions and stalled agreement
Hamas has demanded an end to Israeli strikes and increased humanitarian aid deliveries before moving forward with the next phase of a US-backed plan introduced by former US President Donald Trump.
The group continues to reject the proposal’s provisions calling for its disarmament, further complicating efforts to stabilise the situation.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 770 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect.
The wider conflict, which began on 7 October 2023, has caused widespread devastation across the enclave. Israeli authorities say more than 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack, most of them civilians.
The subsequent Israeli military campaign has killed at least 72,549 people in Gaza, according to the latest figures published by the territory’s health ministry, which are considered credible by the United Nations.
Source: CNA
Also read: Iran says ceasefire extension is a “tactic” before new attack
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
