UNRWA fires 70 Gaza staff over security concerns

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has terminated 70 staff members in Gaza due to safety and security concerns, according to acting Commissioner-General Christian Saunders. The agency emphasized that these terminations do not validate previous allegations against the staff, including those related to the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, asserting the army's continued role in defending borders against threats. This comes as US President Donald Trump condemned Iran, labeling reported terms of a peace deal as 'dishonorable' and 'fake news', while Iran's Foreign Ministry suggested the US was being 'greedy' in negotiations.

In southern Lebanon, two paramedics were injured in an Israeli air strike targeting a medical facility in Selaa. Hezbollah reported engaging Israeli military targets, including drones and armored vehicles, in several towns along the border. Qatar has also refuted allegations from The Washington Post that it coordinated a secret deal with Iran to protect energy production sites.