Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Gaza Strip, Netanyahu Orders Evacuation Plan for Rafah
Israeli airstrikes have caused significant casualties in the Gaza Strip, including women and children. The attacks targeted the central Gaza Strip and the southern city of Rafah on the border with Egypt. Witnesses and hospital officials have reported that nearly two dozen people have been killed. In response to the escalating violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to develop plans for the evacuation of Rafah’s population before an expected invasion of the city.
The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with more than half of the population being driven towards the border with Egypt due to Israel’s military offensive. Many people are unable to leave the territory and are living in makeshift tent camps or overcrowded U.N.-run shelters. The Palestinian death toll from the war has now surpassed 27,840 people, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Additionally, a quarter of Gaza’s residents are facing starvation.
These developments come shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his concerns about Israel’s conduct in the war, stating that he considers it to be “over the top.” The war initially began when Hamas launched an assault into Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Hamas is still holding over 130 hostages, with around 30 of them believed to be dead.
Sticking Points in Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal
Currently, Israel and Hamas are far apart on reaching a cease-fire agreement and a deal for the release of hostages. One of the main sticking points is that some families of Israeli hostages do not want a deal to bring them home; they want Hamas to be crushed. Meanwhile, the U.S. has conducted new airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Egypt’s President Denies Opposition to Aid Delivery
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has denied initial opposition to allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. He clarified that Egypt has opened the crossing without any restrictions or conditions and has provided significant humanitarian aid and relief. This statement comes after President Biden claimed to have convinced el-Sissi to open the gate. Initially, Israel had banned the entry of essential supplies into Gaza, vowing not to allow anything in until Hamas released the hostages it had taken. The closure of the Rafah crossing was a result of Israel’s bombardment of the Palestinian side. However, heavy U.S. pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led to a small number of trucks being allowed into Gaza from Egypt.
International Relief Agencies Call for More Aid
International relief agencies have consistently called for more aid to be allowed into Gaza. They have highlighted the challenges faced in delivering aid due to limited border crossings, a slow vetting process for trucks and goods, and ongoing fighting in the territory. Egypt’s President el-Sissi held Israel responsible for the delay in allowing aid in, pointing to the airstrikes on the crossing. However, when the strikes stopped, Egypt repaired the crossing to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries.
Israeli Targeted Killings in West Bank Hospital May Be War Crimes
Independent U.N. human rights experts have warned that Israeli security forces’ operation in a West Bank hospital may amount to war crimes and violations of international law. Security camera footage showed undercover forces dressed as medics and women entering the hospital and killing three Palestinians. The experts stated that in occupied territory under Israeli control, forces may only use force if strictly necessary to prevent an imminent threat to life or serious injury. They condemned Israel’s decision to murder the individuals instead of arresting or detaining them, calling it a violation of their right to life. Killing a defenseless injured patient being treated in a hospital is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law.
Netanyahu Orders Evacuation Plan for Rafah’s Population
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to prepare a plan to evacuate the population of Rafah ahead of an expected invasion of the southern Gaza town. This announcement follows international criticism of Israel’s plan to invade the crowded town on Egypt’s border. Israel claims that Rafah is the last remaining Hamas stronghold and that an invasion is necessary to complete its war plan against the militant group. However, an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah after fleeing fighting in other parts of Gaza. Netanyahu has called for a “massive operation” in Rafah and has requested a plan that includes both the evacuation of civilians and a military operation to dismantle remaining Hamas militant units.
Red Cross Chief Calls for More Aid to Gaza
The president of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Kate Forbes, has described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as the worst she has ever seen. She emphasized the urgent need for more aid to be deployed to the territory. Forbes recently completed her first official visit to Gaza and witnessed firsthand the dire conditions faced by the population. She highlighted the need for more entry points