(Rafah) Israeli tanks have escalated their advance into Rafah, penetrating residential zones of this southern Gazan city, where over a million displaced individuals have sought refuge. Concurrently, fierce combat has erupted in northern Gaza, marking some of the most intense conflicts in recent months.
Key Developments:
- U.S. Military Aid: The U.S. State Department has initiated a congressional review for a $1 billion weapons aid package to Israel.
- Israeli Ground Incursion: Despite warnings from international allies and aid groups, Israeli forces continue their ground operations in Rafah, where Israel reports significant Hamas military presence.
- Diplomatic Engagements: U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan is set to visit Israel and Saudi Arabia amid ongoing tensions.
Israeli military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, confirmed that approximately 100 Hamas fighters have been neutralized, with numerous tunnels and weapons caches discovered in Rafah. Meanwhile, clashes have intensified throughout Gaza, particularly in the north, where Israeli forces have re-engaged areas previously cleared of Hamas operatives.
The conflict has tragically resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian casualties, as reported by Gaza health officials, with a significant increase in fatalities within the last 24 hours. Additionally, fierce gunfights have been reported in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, trapping many residents in their homes.
Amidst this turmoil, international calls for a ceasefire have stalled, with Qatar and Egypt mediating discussions that have yet to yield progress. On the diplomatic front, tensions between Israel and Egypt have surfaced over the control of the Rafah border crossing, critical for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
As the international community watches closely, the World Court is preparing to conduct hearings on a request by South Africa for emergency measures against Israel concerning the Rafah incursion. This legal scrutiny comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire, with the region on the brink of famine and desperate for essential supplies.
