Merz reiterates Germany’s support for Israel as fragile ceasefire eases tensions

Hamas has called for increased international pressure on Israel following reports from Gaza's Health Ministry indicating that at least 377 people have died due to Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began. This escalation of violence has raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire agreement.

More than 9,000 children in Gaza were hospitalized for acute malnutrition in October, according to the latest UN figures, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis despite a ceasefire declared two months ago. Aid agencies report that Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid shipments continue, exacerbating the situation for the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom are suffering from the effects of prolonged conflict and displacement.

Authorities in the Gaza Strip are warning that an incoming winter storm will severely impact hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals living in tents and makeshift shelters, as violence continues in the region, including the recent killing of a civilian by Israeli forces.

Hamas has announced that it will delay the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement until Israel ceases its military operations, reopens the Allenby border crossing, and allows more humanitarian aid into Gaza. This statement reflects ongoing tensions and the precarious nature of the ceasefire, which has been in place for nearly two months.

During a ceasefire in Gaza, a young girl named Sundus was shot, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. Reports indicate that she did not receive adequate medical care, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Ukraine is preparing to present a revised peace plan to the United States on Tuesday, following discussions between President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from France, Germany, and Britain in London. This initiative comes as the conflict approaches its fourth year, with increasing pressure from the White House for a swift resolution to the ongoing war with Russia.

Reporters Without Borders has reported that Israel has been the deadliest country for journalists for three consecutive years, with 29 Palestinian reporters among the 67 journalists killed globally in 2023. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing violence in Gaza, where nearly 220 journalists have died since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog amid his ongoing corruption trial, which includes serious allegations of bribery and fraud. This request highlights Netanyahu's assertion that the trial is detrimental to Israel's stability and governance.