GAZA: The Israeli military conducted air strikes and artillery shelling in several areas of the Gaza Strip early on Sunday, violating the ceasefire currently in place.
Israeli warplanes targeted areas east of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, according to Turkish media. Witnesses also reported that Israeli military vehicles opened fire on the eastern areas of Khan Younis, another southern city, while naval forces fired toward the coastline.
In northern Gaza, eyewitnesses stated that Israeli fighter jets carried out air strikes on eastern parts of Gaza City, accompanied by sporadic artillery shelling on the same locations.
The current US-backed ceasefire has been in effect since October 10, bringing a halt to a two-year Israeli offensive. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 72,000 people since October 2023, the majority of whom were women and children. More than 171,000 others have been injured.
Despite the truce agreement, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that Israeli forces have committed hundreds of violations involving shelling and gunfire. These actions have reportedly killed 612 Palestinians and injured a further 1,640.
Israeli forces detain 14 Palestinians in West Bank
The Israeli army has detained 14 Palestinians during a series of raids and home searches across multiple areas of the occupied West Bank, which coincided with the holy month of Ramadan.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office, the arrests were conducted in the northern governorates of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Salfit. In these areas, Israeli forces detained 13 residents after storming and searching their homes. The statement added that one young man turned himself in under pressure, bringing the total number of arrests to 14.
Palestinian data indicates that more than 9,300 Palestinian prisoners are currently held in Israeli prisons. This figure includes 350 children and 56 women. According to Palestinian authorities, these detainees face conditions including torture, starvation, and medical neglect, which they say have led to the deaths of dozens.
Since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, the Israeli military has intensified its operations in the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. These operations are carried out by both the army and what Palestinian sources describe as illegal settlers.
Over 1,000 UK Councillors pledge support for Palestine
More than 1,000 councillors across England have committed to supporting Palestinian rights ahead of key local elections in May, as campaigners seek to make the issue a central focus at the ballot box.
The initiative, known as the Councillor Pledge for Palestine, was launched in December by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and is backed by the Vote Palestine 2026 coalition. The pledge commits elected representatives to advocate for Palestinian rights and to work toward ensuring their local councils are not complicit in violations of international law by Israel. Specific measures include divesting council pension funds from companies implicated in such violations.
According to the PSC, 31 councils have already passed motions or issued statements supporting pension fund divestment. The group also cites polling data indicating that 46% of voters back this position, while only 14% oppose it.
In a statement released on Saturday, Dan Iley-Williamson, political organiser at the PSC, emphasized the movement’s momentum: “The mass movement for Palestine – which has brought millions onto Britain’s streets – is not going away. Vote Palestine will take our demands into the May elections and deliver a message to those seeking office: if you want our votes, stand up for Palestine.”
