Overview

• Israeli forces have completed the encirclement of Rafah and established the Morag corridor, effectively splitting Gaza and expanding military control to over 50% of the territory.
• The United Nations reports that in 36 verified Israeli strikes, all fatalities were women and children, highlighting the disproportionate impact on civilians.
• Over 400,000 Palestinians have been displaced in recent weeks due to evacuation orders, with many forced into overcrowded and unsanitary shelters.
• A monthlong blockade on Gaza has led to acute shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, with aid organizations warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
• Diplomatic talks involving Egypt and Hamas are ongoing in Cairo, with discussions focusing on a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, though no agreement has been finalized.