Palestine-Israel Crisis: Day 27 Highlights

Israel-Hamas war: Day 27

Rocket Attacks and Israeli Response:

• Hamas rockets launched from Lebanon wounded at least two in Kiryat Shmona; footage showed damage with cars and shops on fire.
• Deployment of two drones by Hezbollah against an Israeli military position.
• Heavy clashes reported between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters in Gaza.
• Israeli army surrounding and operating within Gaza, with intensified ground offensive.
• Combat reported in densely populated urban areas of Gaza, with mortar shells, RPGs, and infantry engagements.

Casualties and Losses:

• Death of Lieutenant Colonel Salman Habaka, an Israeli armored brigade commander, and 17 other soldiers.
• Reports of 20 Hamas fighters killed in clashes.
• Israeli airstrikes have led to significant civilian casualties in Gaza; 256 civilians killed in 24 hours, including incidents in Bureij refugee camp and a UN and Health Ministry school.

Civilian Impact and Humanitarian Crisis:

• An apartment block in Bureij camp leveled, affecting 46,000 registered Palestinian refugees.
• Hindered aid delivery to 300,000 displaced individuals.
• 9,061 Palestinian casualties reported, including 3,760 children, and 32,000 injuries.
• 1,405 Israelis killed, including 333 soldiers.
• Over 12,000 Israeli airstrikes conducted on Gaza since October 7.

Incidents in Hospitals and Settlements:

• Israeli forces stormed al-Makassed hospital, arresting 11 Palestinians.
• Settlers attacked Deir Sharaf village following a suspected Palestinian attack.

Actions by Hezbollah:

• Hezbollah claimed to have deployed explosive drones targeting Israeli military in Shebaa Farms.

International Responses and Actions:

• Bahrain cut economic ties and recalled its ambassador from Israel.
• Saudi Arabia initiated a fundraising campaign for Palestinians, with significant donations from the royal family.
• Egypt is evacuating foreigners and dual nationals from Gaza.

Global Political Responses:

• UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser banned activities supporting Hamas in Europe and dissolved the German branch of Samidoun.

Humanitarian Efforts and Evacuations

Evacuations:

• Egypt’s efforts to evacuate approximately 7,000 from the Gaza Strip.

Policy Changes and Political Actions

• Policy and Diplomatic Shifts:
• Bahrain’s suspension of economic relations with Israel.
• Saudi national fundraising for Palestinians.

European Union’s Stance:

• German ban on Hamas-supporting activities and the dissolution of related groups.

Healthcare and Humanitarian Access

Healthcare Facility Incidents:

• The incursion into al-Makassed hospital by Israeli forces.

Humanitarian Aid Challenges:

• Obstructions in the delivery of aid to displaced persons in Gaza.

Civil Unrest and Collateral Damage

Civilian Casualties and Damage:

• Civilian deaths and damage to infrastructure in Gaza and Israel.
• Damage from settler actions in the West Bank.