Overview

• Israel’s military chief Eyal Zamir approved a framework targeting remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City, central refugee camps and Al Mawasi after Netanyahu declared a 'decisive stage' in the war.
• Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich officially advanced the long-delayed E1 plan to build over 3,400 housing units east of Jerusalem, which critics say would fragment the West Bank and preclude a contiguous Palestinian state.
• More than 100 international aid organizations including Oxfam, MSF and CARE accused Israel of 'weaponising' humanitarian aid by imposing March registration rules requiring donor and staff vetting that have left relief supplies stranded.
• Gaza health authorities report over 61,700 killed by Israeli strikes and at least 239 malnutrition deaths to date, with widespread shortages of food, water and medical supplies.
• UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca and foreign ministers from Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned the expansion plans as violations of international law, even as several Western countries prepare to recognize Palestinian statehood.