Gaza war: Heavy clashes in Bureij camp as Israeli strikes kill another journalist

Gaza war: Heavy clashes in Bureij camp as Israeli strikes kill another journalist
Israel is reportedly attempting to encircle Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza with heavy fighting reported, as airstrikes continue to pummel the enclave.
12 min read
30 December, 2023
Israel's war on Palestinians has continued to rage, amid intensified bombing in Gaza and raids in the West Bank [Getty/file photo]

The Israeli army is attempting to take control of Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, moving into the north, south and eastern sides of the camp amid heavy clashes with Hamas fighters as the war continues into its 85 day.

The operation in Bureij comes as Gaza's population is continued to be squeezed into a smaller area, with the UN's Agency for Palestinian Refugees reporting that tens of thousands of people are fleeing central Gaza due to Israel's bombardment of the area.

The uptick in airstrikes in central Gaza have killed Al Quds journalist Jabr Abu Hadros in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Six members of his family were also killed in the strike.

Since the beginning of the war a total of 106 Journalists in Gaza have been killed by Israeli airstrikes according to Gaza's Government Media Office.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed 21,672 Palestinians since 7 October, with a further 56,165 people injured according to reports from Gaza's health ministry. 

On Friday, South Africa filed for proceedings against Israel in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, The Netherlands, for violations of its obligations under the Genocide Convention as a result of its conduct in Gaza.

4:05 AM
The New Arab Staff

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Israeli army hacks Palestinian broadcaster with threats
2:09 AM
The New Arab Staff

The Palestine Public Broadcasting Corporation has condemned a hacking incident carried out by Israeli forces on Saturday against the main broadcast of its Voice of Palestine radio, which included threatening messages directed at the people of Gaza.

In a statement released by the Corporation, it highlighted the severity of Israel's hacking of the Palestinian media outlets and forcefully seizing their content to serve its aggressive onslaught against Palestinians.

The Corporation said: "This new crime is part of the all-out aggression waged by the occupation against all Palestinians. It is a continuation of the war on the official Palestinian media, evident in the execution of journalists and their families, such as the recent case of colleague Mohammed Abu Hatab, and the ongoing closure of the Corporation's office in occupied Jerusalem, coupled with constant attacks on its field teams."

Israel carrying out raids in Tulkarm, Hebron: report
1:37 AM
The New Arab Staff

Israel is reportedly carrying out raids in Tulkarm and Hebron, Al Jazeera reported.

The army has has blocked off the entrance to the Nur Shams refugee camp, and has surrounded a the Thabet Thabet Government Hospital, and the Zakat Hospital inside, according to the report.

Armed confrontations between the Israeli army and Palestinian youths are also taking place.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army is carrying out an incursion in the Al Fawwar Refugee Camp in southern Hebron, including many homes in the area.

Tulkarm and Hebron have been targeted in raids by Israeli forces in recent months [Getty]
US says it shot down 2 missiles launched from Houthi areas
1:27 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

The United States shot down two missiles headed toward a container ship in the southern Red Sea and launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

A Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship reported that it was struck by a missile and the USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded to the ship, CENTCOM said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"The vessel is reportedly seaworthy and there are no reported injuries," CENTCOM said.

UNICEF delivers 600,000 doses to children in Gaza
12:40 AM
The New Arab Staff

UNICEF says it delivered at least 600,000 doses of vaccines to Gaza to protect children from diseases, which have been spreading in the besieged enclave.

Illnesses, such as scabies and chickenpox amid worsening hygiene conditions and a lack of basic medical supplies.

The UN agency said more than 16,800 infants have missed one or more routine vaccines, and it will work with the WHO and UNRWA to deliver the arriving vaccines, Al Jazeera reported.

The vaccines will help protect against diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis.

UKMTO receives report of incident near Yemen's Hodeidah
12:13 AM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Saturday received a report of an incident approximately 55 nautical miles (nM) south west of Yemen's Hodeidah port where "the master reported a loud bang and a flash on the port bow of the vessel."

The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call, UKMTO said in an advisory note.

Authorities are investigating and vessels are advised to transit with caution, UKMTO added.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis, who control much of Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have stepped up attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea in protest against Israel's war in Gaza.

12 killed in strike in central Gaza's al-Zawaida: report
11:11 PM
The New Arab Staff

At least 12 people have been killed in an Israeli strike on a house in al-Zawaida in central Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.

 

Gaza 'weeks away from famine', UNRWA warns
10:30 PM
The New Arab Staff

The UNRWA agency has warned that the Gaza Strip is on "just weeks away" of a famine, stressing that people are "desperate and hungry".

The agency urged that "more, much more food" and other basics need to be allowed into the territory, as well as a humanitarian ceasefire would prevent a famine from taking place.

 

Food is needed in copious amounts in order to prevent a famine in Gaza [Getty]
Injuries reported in latest Israeli shelling on Maghazi camp
9:42 PM
The New Arab Staff

At least five people are wounded in the latest round of attacks to hit the centre of the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.

A video posted online showed the NGO tending to injured Palestinians impacted by Israeli shelling in the Maghazi camp, which has been frequently targeted by Israeli forces.

Palestinians arrested, wounded in Israeli raid in Hebron
9:03 PM
The New Arab Staff

Two young Palestinian men were injured by Israeli rubber-coated metal bullets in the latest Israeli military raid to hit the Hebron area on Saturday, Palestinian security and local sources said, as cite the Wafa news agency.

Four others were arrested in the town of Beit Awwa, southwest of Hebron, while dozens also suffered from tear gas inhalation.

PA: Israel is targeting UNRWA to expel it from Gaza
8:35 PM
The New Arab Staff

The Palestinian Authority (PA) foreign ministry said Israel is targeting the UNRWA agency that aids Palestinian refugees to expel it from the war-hit territory, to deepen displacement and change the demographic character of the besieged enclave.

In a statement, the ministry also said Israel is trying to expel Palestinians from or push them to leave the Gaza Strip.

Israel says Gaza-Egypt border should be under its control
7:50 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

The border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt "should be under Israel's control", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday.

"The Philadelphi Corridor - or to put it more correctly, the southern stoppage point (of Gaza) - must be in our hands. It must be shut. It is clear that any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarisation that we seek," he said.

Netanyahu says Gaza war to 'last many months'
7:47 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address on Saturday that Israel was fighting on "all fronts" in a war that he said would last many more months until "victory is achieved."

He was speaking as Israel entered the 13th week of its war in Gaza, which has killed 21,672 since October 7.

WFP says Gaza awaiting 'different kind of New Year'
7:29 PM
The New Arab Staff

Ahead of New Year’s Eve, the World Food Programme (WFP) said :there is a different kind of countdown in Gaza", in a warning over a looming famine and increased spread of diseases in the territory as the war rages.

"We are racing against time to avert a complete collapse of even the most basic services and starvation for millions," the WFP said.

"Only a long-term ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access can end this."

 

Israelis take to streets calling for return of hostages
7:03 PM
The New Arab Staff

Israelis in Tel Aviv have taken to the streets urging the return of the hostages on Saturday.

Many can be heard chanting "Alive! Alive! We Want Them Back Alive!", many chanted.

 

Israelis are furious that a large number of hostages remain in captivity [Getty]
Gallant, Gantz refuse to join Netanyahu press conference
6:55 PM
The New Arab Staff

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz will not join a press conference held by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, Israeli media reported.

Gantz said there is no need for a press conference as "nothing has occurred to warrant a response from the political leadership", while Gallant said he will not be present without Gantz, Haaretz said.

Israel's Gaza objective is to 'make it inhabitable': Analyst
6:23 PM
The New Arab Staff

A senior anaylist specialising in Israel said that Tel Aviv's war objective is to "eradicate the ability for Palestinians to live in Gaza", and not to "destroy Hamas", as Iraeli officials have maintained throughout the war.

Mairav Zonszein based her conclusion on data showing that 70 percent of Gaza's housing and buildings are damaged or destroyed, the threat of widespread disease in the territory as well as Israeli leaders’ open call for Palestinians to leave Gaza.

Gaza is becoming increasingly unhabitable as the war surges [Getty]
Israeli hostage in Gaza killed in Israeli airstrike: PFLP
5:42 PM
The New Arab Staff

An Israeli soldier who was being held hostage in Gaza has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, according to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's armed wing. 

In an speech broadcasted by Al Araby TV, a spokesperson for the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades said that the airstrike occurred following a failed rescue attempt by Israeli commandos.

Some members of the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades were also injured in the airstrike.

Israeli military states two Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza
5:40 PM
The New Arab Staff

The Israeli military has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers, Major Constantine Sushko and Captain Harel Ittah, who were killed while fighting in Gaza.

According to the military Major Sushko was killed in southern Gaza, while Captain Ittah was died from wounds sustained in Gaza last week.

Israeli forces kill Palestinian after car ramming in Hebron
5:32 PM
The New Arab Staff & Agencies

Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry said, after the army reported he allegedly carried out a car ramming.

The Israeli military said soldiers "neutralised" the driver who rammed the car into a military post near Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron.

An AFP journalist saw Israeli forces surrounding a vehicle with soldiers and military vehicles deployed in the area.

The Palestinian health ministry said Mohammed Masalmeh was shot dead by Israeli troops at the camp entrance.

Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported one person was moderately wounded.

Director of UNRWA Affairs says Gaza at risk of famine
3:45 PM
The New Arab Staff

Thomas White, the Director of Affairs for the UN's Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated that Gaza is at risk of famine as food and water shortages add to the suffering of Gaza.

White stated that "40% of the population at risk of famine" adding that "more regular supplies needed - require safe and sustainable humanitarian access everywhere including to the North of Gaza".

Israeli airstrikes target Syrian city of Aleppo
3:41 PM
The New Arab Staff

The Syrian regime's defence ministry has stated that Israeli warplanes targeted the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, stating that "Israel carried out an aerial aggression from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, west of Latakia, targeting a number of points south of the city of Aleppo".

Israeli army publishes figures of wounded in Gaza
3:36 PM
The New Arab Staff

The Israeli military has published figures of soldiers wounded in Gaza, stating that there were currently 431 soldiers that were hospitalised, 44 of which are in a severe condition. 258 are moderately wounded, whilst 129 are lightly wounded. 

 

Gaza death toll rises, 165 people killed in 24 hours
2:40 PM
The New Arab Staff

Gaza's health ministry has announced the death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 21,672 Palestinians killed, with a further 56,165 wounded. It added that in the past 24 hours, 165 Palestinians had been killed with another 250 injured. 

The ministry stated that 50,000 pregnant women suffer from malnutrition, 900,000 children are suffering from the cold, hunger and lack of drinking water, and that 5,300 patients who are in critical condition need a life saving evacuation.

However, the ministry added that it was able to reopen the Al Arabi Hospital, Patient Friend's Benevolent Society, Assahaba Medical Complex, Al Helou International Hospital and several first aid centres. 

Israeli army says raids Hamas intelligence HQ in Khan Younis
2:14 PM
The New Arab Staff

According to the Israeli military the Israeli army has raided the Hamas intelligence headquaters in Khan Younis, with soldiers recovering "very valuable" intelligence materials. 

The announcement comes as fierce battles take place between the Israeli army and Hamas in Khan Younis, with Hamas stating they had targeted multiple Israeli tanks during the battle. 

Five killed in new strike near Khan Younis hospital
2:08 PM
The New Arab Staff

Five people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike near the European Hospital in Khan Younis where displaced Palestinians were moving their belonging, according to reports from Al Jazeera.

Israel vows to continue striking Hezbollah in south Lebanon
12:30 PM
The New Arab Staff

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee has said that the Israel will continue to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon as clashes between the two continue. 

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Adraee stated that 80 percent of Hezbollah rockets fired on Friday had landed in Lebanese territory. 

He added that Hezbollah "violates international Resolution 1701 and continues to use the Lebanese as hostages in its resolutions to support Hamas, the killers of children and rapists of women." 

Hochstein to visit Lebanon in Israel-Hezbollah mediation
11:25 AM
The New Arab Staff

US official Amos Hochstein is expected to visit Lebanon in a bid to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, who have been clashing on the Israel Lebanon border since 8 October. 

According to Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, Hochstein will discuss a plan to establish 13 points for a land border between Israel and Lebanon, as well as Israel's withdrawal from the village of Rajar.

At least 100 killed in Israeli strikes in 24 hours
10:50 AM
The New Arab Staff

At least 100 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours according to health officials in Gaza.

A further 158 people were also injured in the airstrikes, which have been increasing as Israel moves further into the Gaza Strip.

15 arrested in Israeli raids in occupied West Bank
9:35 AM
The New Arab Staff

According to Palestinian news agency WAFA 15 Palestinians have been arrested in raids across the occupied West Bank.

The raids were conducted around Hebron, Nablus, with the largest being conducted on Jalazoun refugee camp north of Ramallah.

 

UNRWA: 308 killed in UNRWA shelters since outbreak of war
9:24 AM
The New Arab Staff

The UN's Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has stated that since the beginning of the war 308 people have been killed sheltering in UNRWA shelters, with a further 1,095 being injured. 

This includes two people who were killed sheltering in the Maghazi Prep School.

PRCS begins 'awareness activities' to stop spread of disease
9:19 AM
The New Arab Staff

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has started undertaking "awareness activities" in a bid to control the spread of diseases among displaced persons in Gaza amid a dire humanitarian situation.

PRCS said that their activities were aimed at children to "teach them ways to maintain hygiene despite water scarcity".

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