A disagreement over the future of the Palestinian territories after the war. “Israel must have security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River. This is a necessary condition, which contradicts the idea of sovereignty” Palestinian, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday January 18. The United States, Israel’s main ally, repeats for its part that the creation and recognition of a viable Palestinian state is necessary to envisage a “real security”. “Without an independent Palestinian state (…) there will be neither security nor stability in the region”, added the spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in reaction to the comments of the Israeli head of government. Follow our live stream.
New strikes. The Israeli army intensely bombs the south of the Gaza Strip on Friday. Witnesses reported shootings and airstrikes in Khan Younes, the main town in the south of the Gaza Strip where, according to Israel, many members of the local leadership of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas are hiding.
Critical humanitarian situation. In Gaza, where around 80% of the population has been displaced by raids or fighting, the situation remains very difficult. The World Health Organization announced overnight that it had identified 24 cases of hepatitis A, a viral infection of the liver and “thousands” cases of jaundice “probably” linked to the spread of this hepatitis.
Quarrel over a future Palestinian state. “Victory will take many months”Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured Thursday, before expressing his wish to fully control the Palestinian territory. “We obviously see things differently”said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
Conflict between the Houthis and Washington. Yemeni rebels claimed responsibility for shooting at an American tanker, the Chem Ranger, traveling in the Gulf of Aden, a new attack by this Iran-backed group against merchant ships in “solidarity” with Gaza. The American military command confirmed an attack on the tanker, but without reaching it as the rebels claim.