Threatening Health Care:
The Palestinian Red Crescent reports as Israel strikes a hospital in Southern Gaza, threatening remaining healthcare facilities. Displaced people were reportedly injured by gunfire from Israeli drones targeting Al-Amal Hospital and the Red Crescent’s base. The Israeli military is investigating. Tanks approach Nasser, Gaza’s largest hospital, amid shellfire and gun battles. Israel launched a significant advance in Khan Younis, aiming to capture the city, identifying it as the primary base of Hamas fighters responsible for attacking Israeli towns on Oct. 7, leading to the ongoing war causing devastation in the Gaza Strip.
Casualties:
NETANYAHU REJECTS STATEHOOD
Israeli President Isaac Herzog sees the Gaza offensive as a step toward future peaceful relations and global security at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In the north, Israeli strikes near Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City killed 12 people, and another strike in Al-Nusseirat refugee camp claimed five lives, per Palestinian health officials. Despite international efforts, Washington struggles to persuade Israel to aid Gaza’s civilians since October. Israel insists it will continue the offensive until eradicating Hamas, a goal Palestinians deem unachievable due to the group’s deep roots in Gaza since 2007. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects an independent Palestinian state, causing diplomatic tensions, emphasizing Israel’s need for security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River.
White House Stance:
U.S. President Joe Biden had a conversation with Netanyahu on Friday, but the White House did not disclose details. A spokesperson clarified Biden’s support for a two-state solution. He acknowledged the challenging work required.Biden’s strong backing of Israel created tension among Democrats. This support infuse  worry about its impact on Palestinian civilians. A group of Democratic lawmakers signed a letter urging the Biden administration to vehemently oppose the ‘forced and permanent displacement’ of Palestinians from Gaza.
HOSTAGE KILLED
Israel’s offensive in Gaza responds to Hamas attacks, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages as per Israeli counts. Israeli counts indicate about half of the hostages are still in Gaza.
Release of Hostages:
In Tel Aviv, about 200 women protested on Friday, demanding action for hostages. Protesters in Israel pulled a woman along in a cage, chanting “Bring them back; their time is running out.” Israeli cabinet minister Gadi Eizenkot, stressed the need for a deal to ensure the release of hostages alive. Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades, allied to Hamas, claimed responsibility for killing an Israeli soldier they held captive in an airstrike.
The group released a video showing the wounded hostage undergoing surgery.The video urges Israeli leaders to reach a settlement for their release. As of now, the Israeli army has not provided any comments. Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades has claimed responsibility for killing an Israeli soldier in an airstrike.
The Russian foreign ministry confirmed receiving a delegation from Hamas on Friday. The ministry urged Hamas to release hostages, including three Russian nationals. Both sides emphasized the importance of achieving a ceasefire, as stated by Hamas.
