In recent key events, an Israeli air strike killed 15 members of a Palestinian family in Gaza, including nine children and three women. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra faced backlash after canceling a performance by pianist Jayson Gillham, following comments he made on the killing of journalists in Gaza. Israel carried out air strikes on targets in Lebanon belonging to Hezbollah, leading to tensions in the region. The US Secretary of State is working to secure a Gaza ceasefire agreement, while Hamas opposes new conditions set by Israel. A deadly settler rampage in the West Bank led to condemnation from Israeli leaders, and the UN has called for humanitarian assurances in Gaza to conduct a polio vaccine campaign. An international Freedom Flotilla is defying the Israeli blockade to deliver aid to Gaza, and the UN is launching a polio vaccine campaign in response to a declared epidemic in the territory. The UN special rapporteur on torture has condemned alleged sexual abuse of a Palestinian prisoner by Israeli soldiers. These events demonstrate the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and peace efforts.
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