Israel’s parliament passes a law banning UNRWA.

A law was approved on Monday in Israel’s parliament, that bans the United Nations relief agency UNRWA from operating within its borders over alleged links between some of the agency’s staff and Hamas. UNRWA workers involved in terrorist activities against Israel “should be held accountable, declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the move that already left concern among Israel’s Western allies who believe this step may only worsen a humanitarian situation in Gaza – already at its worst point to date.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, referring to the recent ban law that the body opposed as illegal, cited this against the provisions of the charter of the UN and also contravening international law. This has rendered an obstacle that would hamper UNRWA’s fundamental work concerning servicing Palestine refugees.

Israeli Military Operations Trap Civilians in Northern Gaza

The same day, Israeli troops also stepped up action in northern Gaza, where they intend to demolish its Hamas installations. Some 100,000 civilians were marooned around areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun in the north of Gaza, according to reports by the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service. At least 19 people were killed on Monday alone, while others sustained injuries as part of the airstrike campaign, according to Gaza’s health ministry. International diplomatic efforts geared at renewing the truce between Hamas and Israel will be re-ignited.

Peace envoys have returned to the field to negotiate another ceasefire, with the effort led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Egypt’s president requested a two-day unilateral retreat, which he hoped would go hand in hand with the simultaneous release of Palestinian prisoners on Israeli hostages to later convene on the terms and conditions of a lasting halt on hostilities. But a government official said that Israel agreed not to hold its campaign until Hamas was destroyed or dismantled entirely. According to Hamas officials, to agree to a truce, Hamas must have conditions met, namely that forces from Israel pull out first from Gaza.

Regional Tensions Escalate as Hezbollah and Iran Enter Conflict

The fighting has now stretched beyond Gaza, pulling into the conflict between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran-backed factions. Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon intensified, with casualties reported along with further evacuation orders placed on Tyre, as the city is almost depleted due to non-stop bombardment. Iran officials said over the weekend that this could prompt retaliatory moves after Israel had attacked its missile production facilities, taking diplomatic tensions throughout the Middle East to new heights.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Hospitals Struggle in Gaza

As the battle rages on, Gaza’s hospitals, already critically short-staffed, continue to operate amidst continuous bombardments. Many of the displaced Palestinians, fearing permanent displacement, have hesitated to move south; instead, they are trying to stay within Gaza City despite the mounting threats.

Global Implications of the Conflict

The protracted fighting has raised growing international concern that the escalation may spread throughout the Middle East and its implications on the global oil market. With humanitarian conditions deteriorating and diplomatic efforts remaining fragile, the situation in Gaza and surrounding areas continues to capture international attention.