Waste from humanitarian shipments that ended up in the sea was removed in a cleanup dive carried out off the coast of Ashkelon by Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection.
The dire humanitarian situation affecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas has intensified pressure on Democratic officials, including President Joe Biden, to adopt a tougher stance on Israel.
At least 20 people were killed and 155 injured in shelling on Thursday while they were awaiting food aid in Gaza, CNN reported citing the health ministry in the Palestinian enclave.
The decision is seen as part of an effort by Mahmoud Abbas to reform Palestine, creating a technocratic government in the West Bank that will be better prepared to govern Gaza as well after the conflict between Israel and Hamas ends, the report noted.
The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) confirmed that earlier on Wednesday Muhammad Abu Hasna, a Hamas terrorist in the operations department of the Rafah area in Gaza, was killed in an air strike.
The move represents a marked shift in Israeli policy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously vowed to not allow the PA to have a role in administering post-war Gaza.
The budget update anchors a projected deficit of about 6.6 per cent of GDP for 2024, and includes adjustments in the amount of about 20 billion Shekels (USD 5.6 billion) in 2024 and 2025.
The United Kingdom granted asylum to a Palestinian, who also held residentship of Israel, saying he would likely be persecuted if he returned, Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday.