Title: Escalating Violence in Gaza and Yemen Amid Truce Talks
1. Gaza: UN Shelter Hit in Deadly Tank Shelling
Tank shelling struck a UN shelter in Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Yunis, claiming at least nine lives and injuring 75, according to Thomas White, the Gaza head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Two tank rounds hit a building that shelters 800 people.
2. Israeli Bombardment: Conflicting Reports on Casualties
Simultaneously, an Israeli overnight bombardment resulted in over 125 fatalities, with conflicting reports from the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, stating more than 200 casualties. The Israeli military reported it “encircled” the southern city and intensified operations in the Khan Yunis refugee camp. Gaza hospitals received the bodies of the deceased, and the World Food Programme expressed concerns about worsening conditions in the region.
3. US Involvement: Talks for Ceasefire and Captive Release
To broker a new deal, US President Joe Biden’s Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, is engaging in talks in the region to secure a ceasefire in exchange for releasing remaining captives.
4. Yemen: Houthi Authorities Order Evacuation of US and British Personnel
In another development, Yemen’s Houthi authorities instructed US and British personnel affiliated with the United Nations and Sanaa-based humanitarian organizations to leave the country within a month. This decision followed strikes by the US and Britain, supported by other nations, against Houthi military targets. The Houthis claim these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
5. Red Sea Incident: Houthi Attack Suspected
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an explosion near a vessel south of Yemen, suspected to be a Houthi attack on Red Sea shipping.
6. Diplomatic Engagement: Raisi Meets Erdogan in Ankara
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was set to discuss the escalating conflict in Gaza with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The meeting was expected to cover bilateral ties and current regional and global matters.
7. International Dynamics: US Seeks China’s Assistance
Meanwhile, the US sought China’s assistance in urging Tehran to restrain Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. However, US officials cited by the Financial Times observed little cooperation from Beijing.
