Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Gaza City of Rafah
Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah have resulted in the deaths of at least 44 Palestinians, including over a dozen children. The strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for a ground invasion and the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from Rafah. The announcement caused panic and raised concerns among diplomats. Rafah, which borders Egypt, is seen as the last stronghold for the Hamas militant group in Gaza.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned that an Israeli ground offensive on Rafah would have “disastrous consequences” and accused Israel of attempting to force Palestinians out of their land. Egypt is working to bridge the gap between the warring sides and achieve a permanent ceasefire.
Friction between Netanyahu and the United States has been increasing, with US officials stating that an invasion of Rafah without a plan for the civilian population would lead to disaster. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes in Rafah almost daily, despite urging civilians to seek shelter there from the ongoing ground combat in Khan Younis.
The airstrikes in Rafah have resulted in the deaths of multiple families, including children as young as 3 months old. The intense violence has led to fears of even worse consequences with a ground invasion. Palestinians in Rafah and other areas are feeling abandoned by the international community, with one resident stating, “To this day, the world has not been fair to us.”
In addition to the airstrikes in Rafah, Israeli forces opened fire at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, killing at least two people and injuring five. The hospital, which is currently sheltering thousands of displaced people, is under intense fire, making it difficult for medical staff to move between buildings.
The death toll from the offensive continues to rise, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that 117 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours. The overall death toll from the offensive now stands at 28,064, with the majority being women and children. Israel holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths, citing their use of civilian areas for military operations.
The situation in Rafah is dire, with the United Nations reporting that the population has swelled to 1.4 million due to people fleeing fighting in other areas. The potential movement of Palestinians into Egypt has raised concerns about the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, as well as the limited access to humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing.
The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction, particularly in northern Gaza, leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The conflict shows no signs of abating, and the international community is calling for a resolution to prevent further loss of life and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
As the violence continues, it is crucial for world leaders to come together and find a peaceful solution that respects the rights and safety of all individuals involved. The people of Gaza cannot continue to suffer the devastating consequences of this conflict.