In a disturbing incident, Israeli protesters attacked a truck in the occupied West Bank, beating its driver and setting it on fire, in an attempt to prevent aid from reaching Gaza. The Israeli military intervened to separate the attackers from the driver and provide medical assistance, but the protesters turned on the soldiers, injuring two officers and a soldier. The truck was carrying commercial goods, not aid for Gaza.
Meanwhile, a crucial shipment of aid for Gaza finally crossed into the besieged enclave via a newly built U.S. floating pier, amidst Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting. With border crossings blocked, food and supplies have been scarce for people in Gaza, with 1.1 million Palestinians on the brink of starvation.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the U.N. for its offensive in Rafah, where South Africa is seeking intervention to halt the escalation. The defense minister announced plans to send more troops into Rafah, as fighting continues in northern Gaza. The conflict has displaced around 600,000 Palestinians and claimed the lives of over 35,000 people, mostly women and children.