Description: Israeli army forces targeted Palestinian aid seekers as more than 40 people were reported to have died from sustained gunshot wounds in medical facilities such as the Al – Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, central Gaza. The attacks happened shortly after US President Donald Trump unilaterally announced the Iran – Israel ceasefire which resounded with the local population in Gaza. The Israeli military said it targeted gatherings which were related to militant forces operating in the Netzarim Corridor and was reviewing the casualty reports. The region in its 20 – month war has been completely demolished while the population suffers from severe food shortages and several areas are affected by life – threatening famine. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, US and Israeli – backed group has had difficulties distributing the provided aid while coming under raiding attacks and fire from the Israeli military.
Impact: The war in Gaza continues to dish out devastating consequences for the local population following the reluctance from both Hamas and Israel to negotiate a terminal peace agreement. The temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran sparked hope for expansion of the peace initiative towards the war in Gaza and the West Bank, as US and Iran were reportedly engaged in direct diplomatic correspondence. Israel continued its military offensives in the region despite backlash from several countries and heavy criticism aimed at Netanyahu’s government with no concrete results coming out of the stalled negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar. In the upcoming period, no expedient results are expected as an initial peace framework between the US and Iran clings onto a fragile ceasefire announced by the US President.