Overview

• Fourteen of fifteen Security Council members backed a resolution calling for an immediate, permanent cease-fire and unrestricted aid, but the United States vetoed it, citing the text’s failure to condemn Hamas or affirm Israel’s self-defense; it was Washington’s sixth such veto since 2023.
• The Israeli military warned it will use “unprecedented force” in Gaza City, closed the Salah al-Din southbound corridor, and directed civilians to the Al-Rashid coastal road as forces pressed attacks around Sheikh Radwan and Tel al-Hawa.
• UN officials reported fresh mass displacement, saying tens of thousands fled in 72 hours and alleging Israeli strikes hit people trying to escape or shelter near hospitals, while Gaza health authorities reported 33 Palestinians killed in the past day.
• Hamas said no hostages would be returned under the expanded assault, and Israel’s defense minister threatened further devastation unless captives are released and the group disarms, as some Israeli protesters urged a cease-fire to free the remaining hostages.
• Accountability pressures mounted as Navi Pillay’s commission said genocide is occurring in Gaza, the ICC’s arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant remained in effect, and Spain’s attorney general formed a team to collect evidence for competent bodies including the ICC.