Palestinians Recover 120 Bodies Amid Gaza Ceasefire, Death Toll Tops 47,000/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As the Gaza ceasefire enters its fifth day, Palestinians have recovered over 120 bodies from the rubble. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups are rushing aid into the war-torn region, where more than 47,000 Palestinians have died. Israeli operations in the West Bank and tensions in Lebanon highlight the fragile state of peace in the region.
Middle East Update: Key Developments
- Body Recoveries in Gaza: Over 120 corpses were recovered as Palestinians sift through rubble post-ceasefire.
- West Bank Operations: Israeli forces launched a military operation in Jenin, killing at least 10 people.
- Hezbollah Warnings: Hezbollah demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday, per the ceasefire terms.
- Humanitarian Aid Arrives in Gaza: The UN sent its first convoy with shelter and hygiene supplies for 10,000 displaced people.
- Lebanon Border Tensions: Residents returned to Naqoura after Israeli forces withdrew, but destruction is widespread.
Palestinians Recover 120 Bodies Amid Ceasefire, Death Toll Tops 47,000
Deep Look: Day 5 of Gaza Ceasefire
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its fifth day Thursday, offering Palestinians a rare respite from relentless Israeli bombardments. However, the aftermath of the 15-month war has left the Gaza Strip in ruins, with more than 47,000 Palestinians killed and 90% of the population displaced.
Bodies Recovered Amid Ceasefire
Palestinians intensified recovery efforts in areas previously inaccessible due to active conflict. Over 120 bodies have been pulled from the rubble in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and militants.
In Khan Younis, families searched through rows of body bags at Nasser Hospital, mourning lost relatives. Many of the dead had been buried under debris for weeks, underscoring the scale of destruction.
Israeli Operations in Jenin
While the ceasefire holds in Gaza, Israel has escalated military activity in the occupied West Bank, targeting suspected militants in Jenin. Israeli forces fanned out across the city Thursday, forcing Palestinian families to evacuate. At least 10 people have been killed during the operation, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Israel claims the operation is part of an effort to eliminate militant strongholds, but Palestinian officials and residents have decried the move as an unjustified escalation.
Hezbollah and Lebanon Tensions
Tensions are rising on Israel’s northern border as the ceasefire agreement requires both Israel and Hezbollah to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon by Sunday.
Hezbollah has warned of “firm responses” if Israel fails to meet the deadline, while urging the Lebanese government to pressure international mediators to enforce compliance.
Meanwhile, residents of Naqoura, a southern Lebanese town, began returning to their homes after Israeli forces withdrew from the area. The town’s infrastructure is in ruins, with destroyed homes, looted businesses, and shattered public utilities.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Gaza
The United Nations has ramped up relief operations, with the first convoy of trucks carrying shelter materials and hygiene supplies entering Gaza since the ceasefire began. The aid is expected to help approximately 10,000 displaced people, but it barely scratches the surface of the immense need.
The International Organization for Migration reported that 69% of Gaza’s structures have been damaged or destroyed, leaving the majority of the population in makeshift shelters. Heavy rains have further worsened conditions, flooding tent camps and raising fears of disease outbreaks.
International and Regional Developments
Lebanese Resilience
In Naqoura, returning residents expressed mixed emotions—grateful to be back but devastated by the state of their homes and communities.
“Even if all our homes are destroyed, we will never abandon the choice of Islamic resistance,” read a banner hoisted by local residents.
Israel’s Firm Stance on Hamas
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated that Israel will not compromise on dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities. Speaking in Budapest, he emphasized that as long as Hamas remains in power, “there will be no peace, security, or stability in the Middle East.”
Eurovision and Survivor Stories
In an emotional highlight, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of Hamas’ October 2023 attack, will represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest. Raphael, who hid under dead bodies for hours during the Nova music festival attack, dedicated her performance to the victims.
Ongoing Challenges
Although the ceasefire has brought temporary calm to Gaza, the situation remains dire for the displaced population. The winter rains have turned camps into muddy quagmires, and humanitarian aid is struggling to keep pace with overwhelming needs.
In Lebanon, the countdown to Sunday’s withdrawal deadline is adding pressure to an already volatile situation. As both sides navigate the delicate terms of the ceasefire, the threat of renewed conflict looms.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.