Cairo — Israeli forces killed 36 Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank in the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian officials. The fatalities occurred amid clashes with Hamas fighters, with significant casualties reported in Rafah, Gaza City, and other areas.
The Israeli military reported the death of eight Palestinian fighters, including a senior Hamas commander, near Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. Additionally, three Palestinians, including a 16-year-old girl, were killed in the West Bank during a continued Israeli operation in Jenin and Tulkarm.
Despite the violence, a major polio vaccination campaign is underway in Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported surpassing initial vaccination targets, with around a quarter of children under 10 vaccinated so far. This campaign, prompted by the discovery of a polio case last month, relies on brief pauses in fighting to allow for vaccination efforts.
Diplomatic efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire and address prisoner exchanges have stalled. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that troops will remain in Gaza until Hamas is eliminated, while Hamas demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and other concessions.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and significant injuries since October 7, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
