Palestine-Israel Crisis: Day 18 Highlights

Israel’s war on Gaza: List of key events, day 18

Death and Destruction:

In the past 24 hours, Israeli air raids in Gaza have killed at least 704 Palestinians.

Overnight air strikes continued into Tuesday morning, resulting in at least 140 deaths.

Israel bombarded the al-Shati refugee camp; many are still trapped under rubble with an uncertain death toll.

The total death toll has risen to 5,791, including 2,360 children. Approximately 870 children are believed to be trapped under rubble.

Displacement and Infrastructure Impact:

About 1.4 million out of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are now displaced, according to OCHA.

UNRWA reported the death of six more staff members in Gaza, raising the death count to 35, with 40 of their installations damaged by airstrikes.

Destruction in the densely populated Al Shati refugee camp following heavy overnight Israeli air strikes.

Prisoner Release and Health Crisis:

Hamas released two elderly Israeli captives; their husbands remain in Gaza.

Gaza’s healthcare system is near collapse, with 40 medical facilities suspended, 65 medics killed, and 25 ambulances destroyed since October 7.

Residents face severe shortages of necessities, with power outages causing long bread queues.

Aid and International Response:

Only 54 relief trucks have entered since Saturday, highlighting minimal aid access.

Israeli authorities detained Palestinian actor Maisa Abd Elhadi for alleged “incitement and support for terrorism.”

Turkish President Erdogan criticized Western silence on the crisis, announcing a “Great Palestine Rally.”

Qatar’s emir urged international restraint on Israel’s actions, noting the regional threat posed by the conflict.

Military Operations:

Israeli army spokesperson detailed over 400 recent targets attacked, including mosques.

Attacks purportedly hit Hamas’s “operational headquarters,” killing three deputy commanders.