Israeli troops clashed with Hezbollah fighters in various areas in south Lebanon, notably in the coastal town of Naqoura, which is home to the headquarters of U.N. peacekeepers. The U.N. peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, reported heavy clashes in Naqoura and the village of Chamaa to the northeast. UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura are situated near the border with Israel.
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed that there has been heavy shelling near their bases. However, he assured that the peacekeepers and staff at the headquarters are currently safe, despite several UNIFIL posts being hit during Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon, resulting in injuries to some peacekeepers.
International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrants
The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former defense minister, and a Hamas military leader. They are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the 13-month war in Gaza and the October 2023 attack on Israel.
This marks the first time a sitting leader of a major Western ally has faced such accusations from a global court of justice. Israel's conflict in Gaza has caused extensive destruction, displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million people and leaving many reliant on aid for survival.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, a severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with large crowds of displaced people gathering at bakeries due to food shortages and price hikes. Bakeries closed for five days due to a flour shortage and lack of aid, leading to desperation among residents.
The price of essential items like bread, pasta, and sugar has skyrocketed, leaving many families struggling to afford basic meals. Charitable kitchens are overwhelmed, with limited resources to feed the thousands of displaced individuals in need.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with residents facing food insecurity and relying on external assistance to meet their basic needs.
