Palestinian Authority

Gaza health authorities report that the Palestinian death toll in the war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 74,000. The figure is being widely carried by international news outlets alongside a roundup of other developments across the Middle East, including diplomatic efforts and conditions on the ground in the territory. The milestone is drawing renewed attention to the human cost of the conflict and ongoing calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access.

Palestinian officials report that the death toll in Gaza has risen to 74,018 since the war began in October 2023. The updated figure from Gaza's health authorities marks another grim milestone in the conflict, which has drawn sustained international attention over casualties, humanitarian conditions and ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Indonesian news agency Antara reports that the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip has reached 74,016 since the offensive began on 7 October 2023. The figures, cited from Gaza health authorities, are being widely shared as the conflict continues, with commentary describing the campaign as a genocide against Palestinians.

Israeli authorities have imposed a comprehensive closure on the occupied West Bank, closing border crossings for one week, citing the Jewish holidays, according to Palestinian media reports. Measures include tightened restrictions on Palestinian movement. The announcement is drawing criticism online, with commentary accusing Israel of using the holidays to justify further restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied territory.

Israeli authorities are currently imprisoning 39 Palestinian journalists, according to Palestinian media monitoring groups. Of those, 22 are being held under administrative detention, a practice that allows detention without formal charges or trial for renewable periods. Rights organisations say the figures highlight ongoing pressure on the press in the occupied Palestinian territories, while Israel maintains that its security measures are lawful and necessary.

Israel has revoked the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats based in Ramallah, according to Reuters. The move affects the Netherlands' diplomatic representation to the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank and is likely to strain relations between Jerusalem and The Hague at a time of heightened European scrutiny of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians.

Activists from a Tunisian flotilla detained by Israeli authorities are reportedly in worsening health, according to Al Jazeera, while their families express growing anguish over their treatment and lack of information. The group was detained after attempting to sail toward Gaza in a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla, and relatives are demanding their release and updates on their condition.

Israeli authorities have released footage showing a Palestinian detainee painting his prison cell while his hands remain handcuffed. The clip has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian observers, who describe it as further evidence of degrading treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, amid ongoing scrutiny of detention conditions during the Gaza war.