• It is the 143rd day of the war: over 29,000 people have been killed in Gaza and
70,325 injured since October 7th.
• Netanyahu confirms plan to evacuate civilians in Rafah ahead of attack.
• The Israel Defense Forces announce that its air force has assassinated Eastern Command Chief Hassan Hossein Salami.
1:53 p.m. – Residents of the Gaza Strip protest over the famine
Gaza residents burn tires during a protest in the southern city of Rafah against rising rice prices. “Did they bring us here from Gaza (city) to give us food and drink or to kill us?” says one man, without clarifying whether he is referring to the Hamas group that runs the enclave or not on Israel, which called on civilians to evacuate during the fighting. “I don’t see any government officials here,” he says. The cost to civilians in the Gaza Strip is skyrocketing due to supply shortages and falling prices. The United Nations has warned that 2.2 million people in Gaza are on the brink of famine.
1:50 p.m. – Israel, Qassam Brigades claim to have fired 40 rockets in the north
The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, has claimed responsibility for firing 40 rockets in northern Israel. In a message posted on Telegram, the brigades said they attacked from southern Lebanon the headquarters of the Israeli 769th Eastern Command at Camp Gibor and a barracks at Beit Hillel Airport, located near Kiryat Shmona in the northern part of Lebanon the Jewish state near the border. The attack was launched, as Hamas's armed wing said, “in response to the Zionist massacres of civilians in the Gaza Strip and the assassination of its leaders and their brothers in the southern outskirts of Lebanon.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that it had identified only about ten rockets and that one of them hit a building in Kiryat Shmona, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces had previously attacked sites of the pro-Iranian Shiite party Hezbollah in southern Lebanon between the night and early morning hours, hitting some positions and a weapons depot.
1:27 p.m. – Haniyeh: “Initiative to end hunger in Gaza”
Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, in a speech broadcast on Al Jazeera, called on all parties to take the initiative to break what he called the starvation conspiracy in Gaza and warned Israel against an “attack on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.” Haniyeh said it was the duty of Arab and Islamic nations to take the initiative to “break the hunger conspiracy” in the northern Gaza Strip. In the same context, Haniyeh warned Israel against conducting a military ground operation in Rafah, threatening that the local Palestinian resistance would confront him, and called on the world – especially Arab countries – to confront this enemy and restrain him from it from entering Rafah.
1:09 p.m. – Hamas: There is still a long way to go until a ceasefire is agreed
There is still a long way to go before a possible ceasefire agreement with Israel. Basem Naim, head of Hamas's political and international relations department, told Al Jazeera, adding: “The gap is still wide.” “We need to discuss many points with the mediators.” According to the Palestinian group's senior official The Biden administration's optimism is not “tied to reality on the ground” but has more to do with domestic political considerations in an election year. “If the Americans really want to be optimistic, they have to put an end to the game of double standards.” “They say they want a ceasefire and want to avoid an expansion of the conflict in the region,” he concluded, “but at the same time they use their veto in the United Nations Security Council and provide Israel with billions of dollars and more ammunition.”
12:38 p.m. – Hamas: “Biden’s ceasefire predictions are wishful thinking”
American President Joe Biden's words about an impending ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are “wishful thinking, possibly related to internal affairs with a view to the American elections.” A spokesman for the Palestinian group, Basem Naim, chairman of the organization's International Relations Council in Gaza, emphasized this to Sky News. Speaking to The World, Naim said the group hoped to reach an agreement by Ramadan, which is scheduled to begin on the evening of Sunday, March 10, but Biden's statements had nothing to do with reality: “I think “There are still gaps between what we are asking for and what is being proposed.” Naim then refused to answer questions about the whereabouts of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, saying the group had the right to protect him.
12:07 p.m. – Haniyeh: “Open to an agreement but ready to fight again”
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a televised speech in Beirut that was reported by international media that the group was showing “flexibility in talks” about a possible deal that would include the release of hostages held in Gaza and a temporary ceasefire, but he is doing the same “ready to keep fighting.” In the televised address, Haniyeh also called on the so-called “axis of resistance” to step up their attacks.
11:34 a.m. – Haniyeh: “In Ramadan, the Palestinians go to the esplanade”
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh called on Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank to protest on the first day of Ramadan, April 10-11. March to march to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This was reported by Portal, quoted by Haaretz.
11:34 a.m. – The German frigate repels a first attack by the Houthis
The German frigate “Hessen,” stationed in the Red Sea to protect merchant ships, repelled “for the first time” an attack by the Houthi militias operating in Yemen. The Dpa reported this on the grounds that the ship of the EU military mission “Aspides” shot down two drones “in quick succession” last night. It was the German Navy's first use of weapons in the operation that began on Friday and, according to the authority, is considered the most dangerous naval operation in the history of the Bundeswehr, today's Bundeswehr.
10:40 a.m. – Israel: 10 rockets from Lebanon in the north of the country
About ten rockets arrived this morning from Lebanon in northern Israel, particularly in the Kiryat Shmona area, where warning sirens blared. The army announced this, adding that some of them were intercepted by the air defense system. In response, the army continued, Israel attacked a “warehouse containing Hezbollah weapons and military facilities in the Ramyeh area of southern Lebanon.” This morning's launch toward Israel was claimed by the Lebanese Hamas faction, which spoke of “40-degree rockets aimed at bases near Kiryat Shmona.”
10:25 a.m. – The new death toll: 29,954 dead and 70,000 injured
Since the war between Israel and Hamas began, 29,954 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip. The new figure was published by the Islamic Movement's Ministry of Health, which, as of October 7, counts 76 deaths in the last 24 hours and a total of 70,325 injured.
10:18 a.m. – Lebanon-Israel: UN special coordinator, “deep concern about expanding conflict”
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, expressed deep concern about the gradual expansion of firefights between Israeli forces and the Lebanese paramilitary movement Hezbollah along the Blue Line, the de facto border between Lebanon and Israel, “in Regarding scope and intensity”. . The Polish UN official called for an “immediate end to this dangerous cycle of violence and a return to the cessation of hostilities.” The special coordinator deplored the impact of the fighting on the lives and property of civilians and the displacement of thousands of border residents. the urgent need to comply with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians at all times.” Wronecka also intensified her engagement with all stakeholders to implement urgent de-escalation measures and encouraged international partners to make concerted efforts “to help the parties find sustainable solutions , which will improve safety and stability along the Blue Line.”
9:20 a.m. – Israel: “8 key terrorist targets in Gaza were hit during the night”
The Israeli army said it struck “eight major terrorist targets” overnight, responsible for rocket attacks on the Israeli city of Ashkelon. In a message on Telegram, the IDF wrote that “during joint ground and air activities in the Gaza Strip, eight key terrorist targets were hit in an area from which rockets were fired at the city of Ashkelon.” Tunnels and infrastructure used by terrorists were also hit. “
8:43 a.m. – Media: “Hamas and Fatah representatives will meet in Moscow to discuss the future of Gaza”
A meeting between representatives of Hamas and Fatah is scheduled for tomorrow in Moscow to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip, particularly a Palestinian unity government and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. This was reported by various media outlets, notably Haaretz citing Portal, which in turn refers to Russian media.
8:33 a.m. – Humanitarian aid is being dropped from the sky in Gaza: It's the first time since the beginning of the war
8:17 a.m. – Alarm sirens in northern Israel
Warning sirens sounded in several Israeli communities near the northern border with Lebanon, warning of rocket fire. This was reported by the Times of Israel. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi warned yesterday that Hezbollah would pay “a very heavy price” for its continued attacks on northern Israel.
8:07 a.m. – Israel: “Missile warning sirens in the north of the country”
Missile warning sirens are sounding in northern Israel, particularly in the area of the city of Kiryat Shmona. This was announced by the military spokesman.
6:03 a.m. – Clashes in Jenin refugee camp
Clashes broke out overnight in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. This is reported by the Lebanese television channel Al Mayadeen, citing Palestinian sources. The Israeli army is said to have stormed the camp with bulldozers, while numerous drones are flying over the area.
5:58 a.m. – Middle East, US ready to reduce military presence despite Houthi attacks
A US Navy rapid reaction force will leave the eastern Mediterranean and return to the US in the coming weeks. This was expected by two officials – anonymous – from the US Department of Defense, quoted by CNN television, who highlighted that the return of the naval and air contingent entails, in a serious context, a “significant reduction in US forces in the region”. crisis and in full force the military campaign against the pro-Iranian Yemeni Houthi militias responsible for attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The Pida force that will return to the United States consists of the group from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). According to sources consulted by CNN, the return will take place in March. In response to the crisis sparked by the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas' attack on Israel, the Navy's rapid reaction force was deployed in July and deployed to the region last October.
5:42 a.m. – Kirby: “The US will not support the Rafah offensive without a credible civilian evacuation plan”
The United States will not support an Israeli military offensive against the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip without first reviewing the Israeli government's plan to evacuate civilians. John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, told CNN. The official recalled that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in early February that he had ordered the Israel Defense Forces to “prepare a plan for operations in Rafah, which includes measures to ensure the safety of more than a million refugees on the ground.” However, Kirby acknowledged that Israel has not yet communicated a plan to that effect to the United States. Instead, Netanyahu warned yesterday that Israel would continue the offensive in Rafah regardless of the success of negotiations for a humanitarian pause in Gaza.
2:51 a.m. – “Biden wants assurances from Israel about the use of US weapons in Gaza”
The Biden administration has given Israel until mid-March to sign a letter ensuring that it will abide by international law when using American weapons and will allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Axios reports it. The American initiative is part of the memorandum requested by Biden and published on February 8th. Although the document is not specifically aimed at Israel, the policies it outlines reflect concerns expressed by Democratic U.S. senators about Israel's campaign in Gaza. If the necessary assurances are not provided in a timely manner, the transfer of weapons into the country will be suspended.
02:29 – Red Sea, the US has attacked 230 Houthi targets so far
In recent weeks, the United States has struck a total of 230 targets in Yemen in response to attacks by Islamist Houthi guerrillas on maritime convoys in the Red Sea. Bloomberg reports this based on the statements of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Shapiro during a hearing in the US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. According to the Pentagon official, U.S. forces also blocked ships carrying military supplies from Iran to the Houthis, including gift components, missile warheads, anti-tank missiles and other war materiel.
2:20 a.m. – Conversation between Blinken and Saudi ministers, focusing on the post-conflict period in Gaza
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. According to the State Department, Blinken and the secretary of state “are committed to continuing to engage closely with the Palestinians and other regional and international partners on ways to resolve the conflict in Gaza and prepare for the post-conflict period.” Blinken thanked the Saudi foreign minister for his “generous humanitarian assistance” to the Palestinians and underscored the United States’ commitment to “achieving lasting peace through the creation of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.”
01:24 a.m. – Middle East: The Italian delegation at the Rafah border crossing
This afternoon at 2.30 p.m. in the press room of the Chamber of Deputies the press conference organized by the Association of Italian Organizations for International Cooperation and Solidarity (AOI), Amnesty International Italia, Arici and Assopace Palestina will take place to present the Italian delegation traveling from the 3rd to March 6th to the Rafah border crossing. In addition to employees of civil society organizations, 16 parliamentarians, 13 journalists, scientists and international law experts will take part in the humanitarian convoy. The mission's humanitarian goals, political objectives and program will be presented at the press conference.
1:23 a.m. – The US is sending $53 million in aid to Gaza and the West Bank
The United States, through USAID, will provide an additional $53 million in urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and the West Bank. This was announced by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby in a press conference, emphasizing that “this brings the total amount of funding announced by the United States government since October 7 to over $180 million.”
1:23 a.m. – The King of Jordan personally steers the aid plane to Gaza
King Abdullah of Jordan personally took part in a flight that parachuted relief supplies into the Gaza Strip. Jordan's Petra news agency reported this, citing an anonymous diplomat who was not authorized to speak on the matter. According to the report, seven planes dropped aid into the Gaza Strip, six of which apparently took off from Jordan. Egypt, Qatar, France and the United Arab Emirates also took part in the operation.
1:22 a.m. – First air aid in Gaza since the start of the war
Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and France have launched a major operation to drop tons of humanitarian aid from the skies onto the Gaza Strip. This was stated by the official military spokesman for the Egyptian Armed Forces, Ghareeb Abdel Hafez Ghareeb, on X. King Abdallah of Jordan wanted to personally take part in the mission. According to the official Petra agency, citing an official statement from the Amman army, “the King's participation confirms Jordan's permanent position alongside his Palestinian brothers in providing assistance to the population of Gaza by all available means.” The Jordanian army said six C-130 aircraft, including three Royal Jordanian Air Force planes, took off from Amman. Three other aircraft were involved in the mission: one from the United Arab Emirates, one from Egypt and one from France. The airdrop of aid, the first ever carried out in the Gaza Strip, “is part of a humanitarian relief effort aimed at providing assistance to the population of the Gaza Strip,” said the Jordanian army, which also released images depicting King Abdullah II. show Jordan in one of the mission's aircraft.