Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, Israel’s former Chief Military Advocate General, was arrested on Sunday and her detention has been extended until Friday. Tomer-Yerushalmi resigned from her position last week amid a criminal investigation involving a video leak. The video in question appeared to show Israeli soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee, which occurred during the Gaza war.
- Resignation & Inquiry: Tomer-Yerushalmi admitted to approving the video’s leak in August 2024. The leak of such material has drawn serious concerns regarding military conduct and the oversight of such operations.
- Missing, then Arrested: After her resignation, she was reported missing on Sunday, only to later be found and taken into police custody. Israeli security forces are now searching for her, and the investigation is ongoing.
Hamas Hands Over Another Israeli Hostage’s Body
On November 4, 2025, Israel received another body of a deceased Israeli hostage, Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, from Hamas through the Red Cross. The remains were found in the eastern Gaza suburb of Shejaia, a part of Gaza that has been largely controlled by Israeli forces. This is part of a broader effort to exchange remains and identify those lost in the conflict.
- Hostage Exchange: The body was handed over as part of a larger ongoing effort to return deceased hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas.
- Ongoing Hostage Situation: While some hostages have been returned, there are still seven hostages whose bodies remain in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
As winter approaches, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with aid reaching the region at significantly lower levels than required.
- Aid Shortfall: Despite a ceasefire in place, the World Food Programme (WFP) reports that only half the necessary food is entering Gaza, with aid groups estimating that only about 25-30% of expected supplies have arrived. Israel maintains that it is fulfilling its obligations, claiming that Hamas fighters are obstructing aid deliveries and stealing food. However, humanitarian agencies point out that severe restrictions on aid flow continue to prevent many supplies from reaching those in need.
- Shelter and Shelter Materials: The situation in Gaza is also critical due to a lack of shelter. Many tents are worn out and insufficient for the approaching winter. More than 1.5 million people need shelter, and aid agencies have yet to receive approval for larger volumes of aid, such as tents and tarpaulins, which are still waiting to be delivered.
- Nutrition Crisis: The food available in Gaza is mostly limited to dry rations and cereals, with meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruits being consumed extremely rarely. Burning waste is being used by over 60% of Gaza’s population as a substitute for cooking gas.
- Winter Threat: With the rainy season approaching, the potential for flooding and the spread of diseases is a serious concern. Many buildings still standing after the conflict are unsafe, and basic services like sanitation and clean water are still lacking in large parts of Gaza.
The United Nations and various NGOs continue to pressure for greater access and an increase in aid deliveries, but the situation remains dire.
Potential U.N. Intervention in Gaza
The U.S. has proposed a new U.N. resolution which would create a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body and an international stabilization force to oversee Gaza’s post-conflict situation. However, Hamas has yet to agree to disarm or demilitarize Gaza, making the proposal highly contentious. The resolution has not yet been formally circulated to the U.N. Security Council and is still in draft form.
These developments highlight the ongoing tensions and humanitarian challenges faced by civilians in Gaza, as well as the complex political and military negotiations surrounding the region.
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