Americans with relatives in Gaza, such as Susan and Ramadan Abdelsalam, Fadi Sckak, and Borak Alagha, are struggling to secure their safe exit amidst the ongoing conflict. The war has trapped many, leading to shortages of food and medicine, and has resulted in casualties, including the death of Abedalla Sckak. The U.S. State Department has facilitated the departure of some through the Rafah border crossing, but the process is unpredictable and many remain in danger. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with families often split on evacuation lists, and there are calls for the U.S. to broaden the criteria for evacuation eligibility.

Yehiya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, is profiled as a dedicated strategist to the destruction of Israel, accused of planning a terrorist attack on October 7 in southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and nearly 250 kidnappings. Sinwar's background includes a harsh upbringing in a Gaza refugee camp and 22 years in Israeli detention, where he studied Israeli politics and learned Hebrew fluently. His rise within Hamas during his imprisonment and subsequent release has positioned him as a key figure in the organization, deeply committed to the Palestinian prisoners' situation. Israel considers Sinwar a top target, currently believed to be hiding in Gaza's tunnel network as the conflict has resulted in over 18,000 Palestinian deaths in two months. Sinwar's public statements have varied from avoiding confrontation to calling for lone-wolf attacks, reflecting his complex and influential role in the ongoing conflict.

Israeli officials claim Hamas is weakening, with evidence of fighters surrendering, while rights groups express outrage over potential mistreatment of detainees. Prime Minister Netanyahu urges militants to surrender, and the IDF reports significant casualties among Hamas fighters. Skirmishes along the Lebanese border raise concerns, with Israel's War Cabinet member Benny Gantz calling for a response to Hezbollah's aggression. The conflict, now in its third month, risks regional escalation as Hezbollah and the Houthi militia in Yemen, both Iran-backed, increase attacks against Israel and in the Red Sea.

Palestinians in Gaza face mass starvation due to an intense Israeli offensive, with aid groups highlighting the dire situation following a US veto of a UN ceasefire resolution. The veto has been widely condemned, and the humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by heavy bombardment, a collapsed health system, and displacement. The UN World Food Program reports that half of Gaza's population is starving. Israel continues its military operations, while the US has approved a significant arms sale to Israel, bypassing Congress's review period. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas accuses the US of complicity in violence against Palestinians.

Palestinians in Gaza are facing potential mass starvation due to an Israeli offensive, with aid groups highlighting the dire situation following a US veto of a UN ceasefire resolution. The veto has been widely condemned, and the situation in Gaza is described as increasingly desperate, with food scarcity, heavy bombardment, and a collapsing health system. The UN World Food Program reports that half of Gaza's population is starving, and hospitals and shelters are overwhelmed. The US has faced international criticism for its stance but has continued to support Israel, including a recent emergency arms sale. The Palestinian Authority has accused the US of complicity in what it calls genocide and war crimes by Israel.

The International Committee of the Red Cross reported chaos in Gaza's hospitals amidst a blockade, fuel shortages, and Israeli bombings. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured patients and are also sheltering displaced people. The UN warns of a potential cholera outbreak due to water and sanitation issues. The Israeli government has restricted fuel entry, despite humanitarian assistance from Egypt. The IDF claims Hamas has misappropriated fuel. The ICRC warns of a looming humanitarian emergency, while Gazans struggle with daily survival, facing shortages of essentials like bread and water.