Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

On the 44th day since the truce deal came into effect, Israel continues to violate the terms of the ceasefire agreement. From demolitions of residential buildings, to the bombardment of various areas across the Gaza Strip, the army has committed nearly 500 violations since October. 

In a statement released by the Government Media Office in the besieged enclave, it noted that 497 documented violations have been recorded during the truce period, with at least 27 of them committed on Saturday. 

These ongoing Israeli violations have resulted in the killing of 342 Palestinians, the majority of whom are children, women, and the elderly, and have wounded over 875 others. Meanwhile, 35 Palestinians have been arbitrarily arrested during incursions across the blockaded territory. 

Here are the latest updates:

• The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that Israeli authorities continue to bar the entry of heavy machinery needed for search and recovery operations.

• The World Food Programme indicated that much of Gaza's population are unable to meet their basic needs despite the ceasefire. It confirmed the entry of some goods, such as vegetables and fruits, but their prices are inflated, as many Palestinians struggle financially.

• Israeli security cabinet member Ze'ev Elkin said he "doubts the ability of any international force to disarm Hamas," as quoted by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. The comments have come in light of several Israeli assessments questioning the formation of International forces to take over the besieged territory.

• On the other hand, Palestinians in the West Bank continue to face violent military incursions and settler attacks, with reports sighted in Tubas, Hebron, Ramallah Bethlehem and Nablus. 

• Amid Israeli attacks in the occupied territory, Israeli authorities also confiscated 1,042 dunams (257 acres of land) in the Jordan Valley to construct a 22 kilometer-long settlement road.