The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, convening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has emphasized the imperative for a 'comprehensive plan' regarding the Palestinian Authority's return to governance over Gaza once hostilities between Israel and Hamas cease. The council condemned ongoing Israeli aggression and called for an immediate cease-fire, cessation of Israeli sovereignty attempts over Jerusalem, and end to the targeting of Palestinians in East Jerusalem.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened severely due to Israeli blockades, leading to dire shortages of essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medical provisions. This blockade has left large swathes of Gaza in ruins, with accusations of genocide against Israel being addressed at the International Court of Justice.

In an intensification of the conflict, an airstrike by Israel on a humanitarian zone in Al Mawasi resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people. The Gaza Ministry of Health, under Hamas governance, reported the fatalities occurred at a site designated as safe by Israel. Despite Israel's claims of targeting a Hamas command center, Hamas refuted the presence of any combatants in the area. The strike in a refugee camp in Khan Younis led to significant casualties and further destruction, raising questions about the conflict's conduct and its impact on civilians.

In another incident, the Israeli Air Force targeted a Hamas command and control post situated on the grounds of a former school in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip. According to UNRWA, six of its staff members were among the victims, and the strike caused the deaths of approximately 14 people. Israel stated measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, but the series of attacks on schools and civilian structures has garnered widespread international condemnation.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed on social media, What is happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable. These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law must stop now. His sentiments were echoed by European Union Chief Diplomat Josep Borrell, who reiterated the necessity of adhering to humanitarian principles.

The broader context of the conflict includes intense confrontations between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in Lebanon, exacerbating regional instability. Israeli demands for Hezbollah to retreat to positions 30 kilometers from the border, as stipulated by a UN resolution, have gone unheeded. Hezbollah, however, insists on continuing its actions until a cease-fire is negotiated between Israel and Hamas.

Amid these tensions, indirect negotiations for a cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas are ongoing, involving mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. However, progress has stalled, with notable Israeli officials comparing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to Osama bin Laden and vowing to capture or kill him.

As violence persists, the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis become increasingly severe. The assault on the Al Jaouni school, which housed around 12,000 displaced individuals, mainly women and children, resulted in further casualties. The school, targeted multiple times since the conflict began 11 months ago, has highlighted the peril faced by displaced populations.

International reactions to these raids have been strong. The United Nations and the European Union both condemned the death of UN workers in the strikes, while the U.S. called for greater protection of humanitarian workers. UNRWA has reiterated its demands for safety for its staff and refuge for displaced persons. Israel, meanwhile, remains firm in its stance, attributing the attacks to the need to combat Hamas militants allegedly using civilian areas for operations.

The ongoing conflict has displaced a vast majority of Gaza's 2.4 million residents, with many seeking refuge in reportedly safe locations like schools. The destruction and loss of life, particularly among civilians, continue to elicit profound international concern and calls for immediate action to address both the humanitarian needs and the broader political resolutions required to end the violence.