Israeli forces struck a house near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 36 people. The Gaza government's media office reported that most of the casualties were children, including pregnant women.

Meanwhile, the Open Arms aid ship, carrying 200 tonnes of aid, has begun unloading its cargo in Gaza after setting sail from Cyprus earlier this week.

Japan announced its participation in a project aimed at delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza through a Mediterranean maritime corridor. This initiative, launched by Cyprus, the European Union, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, is intended to alleviate the dire situation in Gaza.

Dominic Allen, a representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Palestine, expressed grave concerns about the conditions in the maternity ward of the Emirati hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza. He highlighted an alarming increase in stillborn babies and neonatal deaths, with doctors noting a lack of normal-sized babies.

UNICEF reported that 31 percent of children under the age of two in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition, a significant increase from January's figures.

Diplomacy and Regional Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas's new ceasefire proposal as "ridiculous." Nevertheless, Israel will send a delegation, led by the head of its Mossad intelligence agency, to participate in ceasefire talks in Qatar.

Netanyahu also approved a military plan for a ground invasion of Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinians are seeking shelter. The UN and several countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, have cautioned against this move.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a clear and implementable plan for Rafah, particularly to ensure the safety of civilians.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is embarking on a two-day visit to Jordan and Israel, with discussions on increasing humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza on the agenda.

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