Sometimes there are no words...

The assassination of the orthopedic doctor Saeed Joda this morning while he was on his way to perform his medical duty by an enemy aircraft.

The doctor who spent more than a year bandaging the wounds of the injured and saying goodbye to the victims from among his family and neighbors, the doctor was injured more than once and continued his work moving from one hospital to another and from the home of the injured to the shelters, then he covered the eyes of his nephew Muhammad with his hand and prayed over him, and after a few days he was unable to cover the eyes of his son Majd who was killed by a treacherous bombardment a week ago while recovering the bodies of his cousins, and here are the doctor's eyes covered today for the sake of God and the homeland.

This obituary is unparalleled. Medicine in the Gaza Strip and its north has lost one of its icons, the camp has lost its compassionate and skilled doctor, and we in the Joda family have lost a scholar in medicine, ethics and sacrifice, it is time for us to be proud of him and to grieve deeply.

May God have mercy on the deceased, and inspire his family, loved ones and those who follow in his footsteps with patience and solace.

Shaimaa Alsayed, via “We Stand with Palestine and the Palestinian People” (Facebook)

Statement by Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory

“I am very concerned about the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Gaza. Civilians are paying the price of the continuing exchange of fire between the parties.

In recent days, multiple strikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in scores of reported fatalities, and numerous injuries. Women and children continue to be among the casualties. Such incidents are further reminders of the unbearable human cost of the conflict.

I am equally concerned by the unacceptably insecure environment in Gaza that continues to negatively impact United Nations aid convoys. On 11 December, a 70-truck convoy from Kerem Shalom crossing was violently attacked by looters, leading to the loss of nearly all food and aid supplies. Around the same time, a WFP convoy leaving the Kissufim crossing came under fire, faced extensive delays, and had four out of five trucks violently looted. Attacks undermining humanitarian operations are unacceptable. They threaten the survival of those in desperate need of assistance.

Attacks on humanitarian operations can be avoided: earlier this week, through an Israeli agreement for us to use the Philadelphi corridor, a joint UN convoy delivered urgently needed food, reaching nearly 200,000 people in southern and central Gaza.

We remain committed to supporting the people of Gaza, working around the clock to get critical aid to families who lack everything after 14 months of war.

The principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks must be respected at all times. I call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and the safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid.

The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting efforts for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.

Israel & Syria

“Let's leave aside the unbelievable arrogance and insolence of trampling the sovereignty of another country without any pretext while mocking international law. The damage to Israel resulting from seizing this territory is certain to come. These territorial swipes will be the pretext for another war. Just like the Shebaa Farms on the Golan Heights, Israel's questionable conquests are never temporary. Nothing is more everlasting. 

They end up as a sore that never heals.” 

—Gideon Levy; Israeli Journalist, Haaretz ________________________________

Excerpts: Israel's air force is bombing and destroying the Syrian army, with Israel's land army seizing chunks of its territory. Like water seeking the lowest place, Israel has found another opportunity in the multitude of options appearing on its path lately, destroying Syria's army and taking territory as this beaten and bruised country awakens from the nightmare of the previous regime, facing an unknown future. …

New hope is now breaking through in Syria. It may be false hope, most likely it is, but the first days of the regime now taking shape give some basis to this hope. The rebel leader seems judicious and wise, so far. In contrast to the coup in Iraq, the coup in Syria does not include destruction of the old order; there is no wholesale bloodshed and destruction of infrastructure. Abu Mohammed al-Golani is for now doing everything to stabilize the situation and build a framework for ruling. Israel is for now the last of his worries. His past doesn't bode well, but he may have changed. The Syrian people deserve that. …

Instead of threatening Syria, nothing would have been lost if it had called for the opening of a new chapter. Cynics will say that this is madness, but the real madness lies in not even trying, precisely at this time. The Syrian people will not forget who exploited its weakness and destroyed its country. In a demonstration supporting the coup in the Israeli Druze town of Majdal Shams on the Golan Heights this week, one of the residents told me: "If Syria's fate were left only in the hands of its people, hope would stand a chance. But Israel is already intervening and stirring the pot, leaving the Syrian army with only Kalashnikov rifles and bullets." …

West Bank Monthly Snapshot

West Bank Monthly Snapshot
Casualties, Property Damage and Displacement

November 2024

*Disclaimer: 

• This report reflects information available as of the time of publication. The most updated data and more breakdowns are available at ochaopt.org/data.

• In Israel, 19 Israelis were killed by Palestinians from the West Bank in attacks that also resulted in the killing of 12 Palestinians between January 2023 and November 2024. These are counted separately, as this report covers incidents that took place in the West Bank.

• Palestinians or Israelis whose immediate cause of death or the perpetrator’s identity remain disputed, unclear, or unknown, are counted separately, so are casualties as a result of “friendly fire” and Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank who have died in Israeli custody. Figures also do not include UXOs, mishandling of weapons, hit-and-run incidents, and incidents where the perpetrator's nationality is disputed.

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