JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel signed defense contracts worth nearly $15 billion last year, surpassing its all-time record, the country’s defense ministry said Wednesday, even as international outrage mounts over the war in Gaza. Over half the deals were with European countries.

"More nations want to protect their citizens using Israeli defense equipment," said Israeli official Major General Amir Baram.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the deaths of three soldiers whose Humvee was hit by an explosive device in northern Gaza. After more than 600 days, 58 hostages remain in Hamas' hands.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is closing its sites for "update, organisation and efficiency improvements works".

As Greta Thunberg sails toward Gaza with a boat full of humanitarian aid, Israel has declared it is "prepared" to act to prevent the flotilla's arrival, according to a senior military spokesperson.

Johnnie Moore, a former Trump campaign adviser, was appointed to the board of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation after the aid rollout was hit by chaos and the deadly shootings of Palestinians.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Wednesday demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza because it’s not linked to the release of hostages.

The march is expected to take place over the course of three days, ending near the Gaza border, as those marching join a protest organized by the It's Time coalition of peace organizations.