Israeli air and ground assaults across the Gaza Strip killed at least 24 Palestinians on Monday, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera, as hospitals continue to struggle with mounting casualties and infrastructure devastation.
Among the latest attacks, an airstrike hit Al-Remal clinic in Gaza City, a site being used by displaced Palestinians as shelter, killing at least six people and injuring several others. Witnesses reported scenes of carnage as the facility was reduced to rubble.
In the occupied West Bank, Nasser Laham, editor-in-chief of the Ma’an News Agency and head of Al-Mayadeen’s local office, was arrested during a raid on his home near Bethlehem. His family confirmed that Israeli forces confiscated phones and equipment before detaining him. Laham is expected to appear before an Israeli military court later this week.
Freedom Flotilla Set to Sail Again
Meanwhile, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced plans to resume its mission to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Its vessel Handala is scheduled to depart from Siracusa, Italy on July 13, despite a previous interception. The mission, dedicated to Gaza’s children, seeks to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
BRICS Condemns Israeli Offensive
In a separate development, the BRICS bloc issued a strong statement declaring Gaza an “inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian Territory” and calling for unified Palestinian governance. The group urged a permanent, unconditional ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and full Palestinian membership at the United Nations.
The statement, reported by Anadolu Agency, expressed “grave concern” over the use of starvation as a weapon of war, ongoing military operations, and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Civilian Deaths and Ceasefire Negotiations
In central Gaza, two civilians were reported killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the Bureij refugee camp, while others were wounded.
Amid growing international concern, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha, though no breakthrough has been reported. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking ahead of a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said there was a “strong possibility” of a ceasefire and hostage release deal being reached this week. However, Palestinian sources claimed Israel’s delegation lacked the authority to finalize any agreement.
Domestic U.S. Backlash Over Gaza Policy
In the United States, New York City politician Zohran Mamdani sparked debate by accusing the U.S. government of prioritizing military aid to Israel over domestic needs. “While Americans struggle to afford healthcare, rent, and education, their tax dollars are being used to bomb children in Gaza,” Mamdani posted on X.
Mounting Death Toll and International Legal Scrutiny
Since the start of the war in October 2023, Israel’s offensive has killed at least 57,481 Palestinians, including over 134,000 children, according to local health authorities. More than 111,000 people have been injured, with 14,222 still missing and presumed dead under the rubble.
Israel faces increasing legal pressure on the global stage. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also hearing a genocide case against Israel, as global condemnation mounts.
With hostilities intensifying and no immediate end in sight, humanitarian agencies continue to warn of further destabilization in Gaza and the wider region if a ceasefire is not achieved soon.
