Live updates | Israeli troops battle Palestinian militants as UN runs out of fuel in Gaza

The current situation in Gaza involves a fuel shortage crisis, where the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has run out of fuel. This has serious implications for relief efforts, phone and internet communications, and the overall humanitarian situation in the besieged territory.

Israel has refused to allow fuel shipments into Gaza following an incursion by Hamas into southern Israel on October 7, which led to the outbreak of the conflict. Israel’s concern is that Hamas might divert fuel shipments for its own military use, and as a result, it has blocked the entry of fuel into Gaza.

The conflict has caused significant displacement, with around 200,000 people fleeing their homes in northern Gaza in the past 10 days. More than two-thirds of Gaza’s population, totaling 2.3 million people, have been displaced since the war began. Hospitals are struggling to operate due to the lack of electricity and dwindling supplies, and there are serious concerns about the well-being of patients, newborns, and medical staff.

The international response includes efforts by the UN Security Council to negotiate a resolution that calls for humanitarian pauses in the Gaza Strip. This resolution aims to provide humanitarian corridors and access for aid workers to deliver essential supplies to those in need and to repair critical infrastructure. However, previous resolutions on the conflict have been rejected, and the situation remains complex.

Yes, there are allegations that Hamas is using hospitals as cover for its fighters and has established its main command center beneath Shifa hospital, the largest in Gaza. Israel accuses Hamas of this tactic, while Hamas and hospital staff deny these allegations.

Israel’s Defense Minister has stated that while significant progress has been made, the campaign against Hamas militants will likely take many months to complete, indicating a prolonged conflict.

Approximately 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by Palestinian militants. The situation of the hostages remains a concern, with some incidents reported, such as the death of a 19-year-old Israeli soldier in captivity. Families of the hostages have been demanding their release, but the status of the captives remains fluid and uncertain.