Death toll from fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza rises to five
Massive rallies in Yemen after deadly US strikes
Egypt unveils proposal for international presence in Gaza, West Bank
EU foreign policy chief welcomes Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction
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March 17, 2025
Israel kills more Palestinians in Gaza despite truce
summary
Two more killed in Israeli strike in southern LebanonThe Lebanese health ministry said an Israeli strike in the south killed two people.
It was the latest in a series of deadly attacks in the area despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect in November after more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese health ministry's emergency unit later said the "toll from the Israeli enemy strike on Yohmor increased to two deaths after one of the wounded died from his severe injuries", according to the official National News Agency (NNA), adding that two others were wounded.
Houthi media report new US strikes in YemenHouthi media reported fresh US air strikes targeting Hodeida on Yemen's western coast.
"A strike by the American aggression targeted the region of Bajel in the Hodeida governorate", while others targeted a steel factory in the Al-Salif region in the same governorate, according to the Iran-backed Huthis' Saba press agency.
The rebels' Al-Masirah also reported the strikes.
Syria state media reports Israeli strike near southern city DaraaIsrael struck near the southern Syrian city of Daraa, the state news agency SANA reported, with a war monitor saying a military site was targeted.
"Israeli occupation jets launch air strikes targeting the surroundings of Daraa city," SANA reported.
Jordan’s king calls for intensified efforts at regional de-escalationJordan’s King Abdullah II stressed the need for intensified international efforts to achieve a comprehensive de-escalation in the Middle East.
During a meeting in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the king emphasised that “granting Palestinians their full legitimate rights based on a two-state solution is the only way to stabilize the region,” the royal court said in a statement.
He emphasised the need to step up international efforts to achieve comprehensive calm in the region, including maintaining a ceasefire in Gaza and supporting efforts to rebuild the enclave without displacing its residents.
Hamas urges US to press Israel on Gaza ceasefireThe Palestinian resistance group Hamas has called on the US to pressure Israel to implement a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
"The US must compel the Israeli occupation to implement the ceasefire agreement as signed rather than expanding the scope of aggression,” senior Hamas member Izzat Al-Rishq said in a statement.
"Preventing the occupation from evading the agreement's requirements is the only way to save the lives of the captives and ensure their return to their families,” he added.
Trump warns Iran will be held responsible for any further Houthi attacks US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will be held directly responsible for any additional attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthis, as tensions continue to mount in the Red Sea.
Amid continued tit-for-tat attacks between the US military and the Houthis, Trump alleged that Iran has been directing “every move” taken by the group, and has been providing it with military equipment, financing, and intelligence.
Hundreds of Gaza buildings at risk of collapse, threatening lives of thousands Gaza’s government media office has warned that 220 buildings are at risk of imminent collapse in the enclave due to damage sustained during Israel’s destructive war.
“These buildings pose a direct threat to thousands of residents living inside or nearby, especially as the Israeli blockade continues to prevent the entry of heavy machinery needed to remove debris or reinforce damaged structures,” Salama Marouf, who heads the media office, said in a statement.
According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, northern Gaza has endured widespread destruction during months of Israeli bombardment, resulting in massive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Qatar urges international community to confront Israel’s starvation policyThe Qatari Prime Minister has called on the international community to firmly confront Israel’s starvation policy against the Palestinians in Gaza.
His call came during a meeting in Doha with Sigrid Kaag, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, who is currently visiting Qatar.
Egypt unveils proposal for international presence in Gaza, West BankEgypt has unveiled a proposal for the UN Security Council to consider establishing an international presence in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
This came during a meeting held in Cairo between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, foreign ambassadors, and international representatives to discuss the rehabilitation of Gaza's healthcare sector.
"There is a proposal for the Security Council to study establishing an international presence in Gaza and the West Bank," Abdelatty said in statements cited by a Foreign Ministry statement.
“This will be done through the adoption of a Security Council resolution to deploy peacekeeping or international protection forces with clear mandates and powers, under a timetable that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," he added.
Massive rallies in Yemen after deadly US strikesTens of thousands of people protested in Yemen, two days after US attacks that left dozens dead.
Demonstrators waved placards and assault rifles, chanting "Death to America, death to Israel" at a huge protest in the capital Sanaa, while rallies were also held in Saada, Dhamar, Hudaida, and Amran.