Reports from media outlets in Gaza indicate the death of Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, a physician, from wounds sustained during an Israeli airstrike last week. The strike targeted his family residence in Khan Younis, resulting in the death of nine of his ten children.

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, Dr. al-Najjar’s wife, was previously photographed visiting her injured husband in the intensive care unit. She survived the attack as she was at work at the time. A widely circulated image last week depicted Dr. al-Najjar alongside his sole surviving child; at the time, he appeared physically unharmed. The cause of his death has not been independently verified.

The Israeli military previously stated that the airstrike targeted individuals identified by IDF forces operating in a structure near their position in Khan Younis, characterizing the area as a dangerous combat zone cleared of civilians for their protection. Claims of harm to non-combatants are currently under review.

Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), revealed the arrest of two individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia under the guise of participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking at a Ministerial Committee on Drug Use Control meeting, Marwa expressed concern over the recurring exploitation of religious travel by criminal networks. He cited a previous incident where individuals were deceived into unknowingly carrying cocaine concealed within luggage.

Despite resource limitations impacting the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the NDLEA reaffirmed its dedication to combating drug trafficking and abuse. The agency remains vigilant in its efforts to intercept illicit substances and apprehend those who seek to exploit religious events for criminal purposes.

Recent reports indicate a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. After a year and a half of intense fighting, Israel has reportedly agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal brokered by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

According to state-owned KAN TV, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed this development during a meeting with families of deceased Israeli hostages. US officials have confirmed Israel’s acceptance of the deal prior to its submission to Hamas.

Hamas has acknowledged receipt of the proposal and stated they are reviewing it with the aim of providing relief to the Palestinian population and establishing a permanent ceasefire.

The proposed agreement entails a 60-day cessation of hostilities in Gaza in exchange for the release of ten living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies. In return, Israel would release over 1,200 Palestinian detainees and 180 bodies. While not mandating an end to Israel’s offensive, the proposal necessitates negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a long-term truce, with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar acting as guarantors.

Currently, Israel asserts that Hamas is holding 58 hostages in Gaza, with 20 presumed to be alive. A prior ceasefire agreement dissolved in March, leading to the resumption of Israeli operations after a two-month truce that saw the release of 33 hostages by Hamas. Tragically, since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023, over 54,000 Gazans have lost their lives, as reported by Gaza’s health authorities.