July 15, 2025 | Updated 9:55 GMT
Major Developments in Gaza
- Shati Refugee Camp Bombing: Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Nassar family home near Martyrs’ Square in Gaza City’s Shati camp, killing at least five civilians and trapping others under rubble. Rescue operations are hampered by ongoing bombardment.
- Targeted Displacement Sites: Tents housing displaced families in al-Rimal were struck, killing civilians including children. Al-Awda Tower near al-Quds Hospital was also bombed, causing panic among patients and staff.
- Water as a Weapon: Gaza authorities report over 700 Palestinians, mostly children, killed while collecting water since October 2023, including 12 deaths in Nuseirat this week. Israel is accused of destroying 720 water wells and blocking fuel for water systems.
- Military Casualties: Three Israeli soldiers died in an explosion during fighting in Jabalia, with one injured.
West Bank Escalation
- Taibeh Christian Village Attacked: Settlers set fires near the 5th-century Church of St. George and a Byzantine cemetery. Priests denounced Israeli soldiers’ passive complicity.
- Systematic Land Theft: Settlers destroyed olive groves and blocked farmers. The village faces imminent land confiscation to expand the Rimonim settlement.
- Deadly Violence in Sinjil: Settlers killed two Palestinians, including 20-year-old Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten to death defending family land. An ambulance was attacked.
Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
- Historic Death Toll: Over 58,386 Palestinians killed (70% women and children) and 139,077 injured since October 2023. 78 killed on July 14 alone.
- "Concentration Camp" Plan: Former Israeli PMs condemned Netanyahu’s Rafah plan. Satellite data shows over 28,600 buildings demolished since April.
- Famine Conditions: The blockade since March has prevented food and fuel entry, collapsing water and sewage systems.
International Response
- Diplomats Inspect Taibeh: Church leaders hosted over 20 nations’ diplomats. Latin Patriarch Pizzaballa warned: "The West Bank’s only law is that of armed force."
- UN Condemnation: UNRWA’s Philippe Lazzarini called Rafah plans a "second Nakba."
- U.S. Citizen Death: The State Department is investigating Musallet’s killing.
Key Data Snapshot
| Metric | Gaza | West Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Total Deaths | 58,386+ | 998+ since Oct 2023 |
| Recent Attacks | Shati camp, al-Rimal | Taibeh, Sinjil |
| Infrastructure Destroyed | 720 water wells | 1,500 olive trees (Bethlehem) |
On the Ground Reality
Gaza: Paramedics describe "deliberate thirst warfare" as families drink contaminated water. Over 1.25 million lack clean water access.
West Bank: Christian exodus fears grow. Taibeh’s priests implored global churches to send field missions, stating: "Settlers target all Palestinians—Christian or Muslim."
This report was prepared by WSN 024 and synthesizes verified data from Al Jazeera, WAFA, Reuters, Vatican News, Xinhua, CNN, and Anadolu Agency. Updates to follow as events unfold.