Ongoing Israeli Attacks, West Bank Raids, and Diplomatic Tensions Raise Concerns
Middle East: As ceasefire negotiations continue, Hamas has proposed exchanging all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners in “one go” during the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The proposal aims to secure a permanent truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have persisted, with at least three Palestinians killed and 11 others injured in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise, with the Health Ministry confirming 48,297 Palestinian deaths and 111,733 injuries since the start of Israel’s military campaign. Meanwhile, the Government Media Office has reported a higher death toll of at least 61,709, attributing the discrepancy to thousands still buried under the rubble. The conflict began following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,139 Israeli deaths and more than 200 captives taken into Gaza.
Egypt, Spain Reject U.S. Proposal to Displace Gazans
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have strongly rejected a controversial U.S. proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza permanently. Speaking ahead of an Arab League meeting in Cairo scheduled for March 4, el-Sisi emphasized the need for international support to rebuild Gaza without displacing its residents.
Sanchez echoed these sentiments, reaffirming that “Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and is part of the future Palestinian state.” The Arab League is expected to discuss measures to counter the U.S. proposal and support Palestinian sovereignty.
Israel Blocks Palestinians from Returning to Jenin
Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate in the occupied West Bank, where the Israeli army has blocked thousands of displaced Palestinians from returning to their homes in the Jenin refugee camp. Residents gathered at the camp’s entrance following reports from the Palestinian Civil Affairs Authority that they could return, only to be turned away by Israeli forces.
“We gathered here at the entrance of the camp to return and see what has happened to our camp, but the Israeli army prevented us and chased us away,” said Basma Masharqa, a resident of Jenin. “We know that our house had been demolished. I want to return, despite my heartbreak, just to see even the ruins.”
Israeli Forces Arrest 30 Palestinians in West Bank Raids
In a continuation of Israel’s military operations, at least 30 Palestinians—including children and former prisoners—were arrested overnight in the occupied West Bank, according to the Commission of Prisoners’ Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS).
Since late January, Israeli forces have arrested at least 175 people in Jenin and 150 in Tulkarem. Reports indicate that Israeli operations have included house demolitions, field executions, and forced evacuations, with homes being converted into military barracks.
“The occupation has adopted a set of policies in various areas where the aggression has escalated,” a joint statement from Palestinian prisoners’ groups said. “The most prominent of these policies are field executions, assassinations, and systematic field investigations affecting dozens of families.”
As ceasefire talks continue, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with growing calls for international intervention to prevent further displacement and casualties.
