Palestine weekly: Israel attacks children, hospitals in bloody week in Gaza

What Happened

Israeli military operations in Gaza resulted in multiple civilian casualties between July 8 and July 13, including the deaths of children in al-Mawasi and Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood, according to Palestinian health officials. On July 10, an Israeli drone strike hit the courtyard of Kamal Adwan Hospital, while a World Central Kitchen driver was killed on July 9 near the Karem Abu Salem crossing. Simultaneously, in the West Bank, Israeli forces and settlers continued land seizures and demolitions, with the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reporting 49 military land-seizure orders issued in the first half of 2026. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced legislative elections for November 28, though the feasibility of this vote remains contested due to infrastructure damage and Israeli restrictions.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The divergence between Israeli military claims regarding aid flow and UN assessments of humanitarian conditions highlights the deepening crisis in Gaza, where medical facilities face total collapse. In the West Bank, the documented expansion of outposts and military-backed land seizures suggests a shift toward de facto annexation, complicating the political landscape ahead of the proposed November elections.

Watch For

Monitor the November 28 election date for potential cancellations or delays, as well as further reports from the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission regarding the implementation of military land-seizure orders along Route 60. Additionally, observe the operational status of Kamal Adwan Hospital and other remaining medical facilities as fuel shortages persist.