GAZA CITY: The death toll in Gaza has soared to 48,319 after Palestinian rescue teams recovered 22 more bodies from the rubble in the past 24 hours, the Gaza Health Ministry reported on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 16 injured persons were admitted to hospitals, bringing the total number of wounded to 111,749 since Israel’s military offensive began on 7 October 2023.
In a statement, the ministry warned that many victims remain trapped under the debris, as Israeli military actions and infrastructural devastation have hampered rescue operations.
Despite a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on 19 January, local authorities have reported frequent violations by Israeli forces.
The territory’s Health Ministry said that Israeli attacks have continued in various parts of the Palestinian enclave, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Israel’s military operation in Gaza has resulted in widespread destruction, with the majority of the enclave’s infrastructure—including water wells and wastewater treatment plants—reduced to ruins.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in the Palestinian territory.
Arab leaders to meet in Cairo
In response to the ongoing crisis, Arab leaders are set to meet in Cairo on 4 March to discuss the situation in Gaza and potential diplomatic solutions.
Jordan’s former Foreign Minister Jawad Anani said that the discussions would not be easy, particularly given the role of Hamas in Gaza’s governance.
“Judging from their current behaviour, Hamas wants to show that it still exists and that it has the power to threaten others,” Anani said as quoted by Al Jazeera. However, he stressed that “the best course of action remains dialogue and political thinking.”
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Anani further stated that Israeli political leadership would need to reassess its stance on the conflict. “If Israel insists that Hamas must be depoliticised, then the question arises: Are we dealing with the spoilers of peace? If that is the case, we must expect a change in Israel’s leadership,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for regional pressure on Israel to seek a political solution. “There’s no way Arab leaders cannot come up with a plan to convince the Israeli government to find a resolution to this conflict,” he said.
“Ultimately, a political solution that accommodates Palestinians will also guarantee Israeli security.”
