Conflict Escalates in Gaza as Diplomacy Struggles
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement firing several rockets at Tel Aviv on Sunday. This development comes amid intensified international efforts to negotiate a truce. The Ezedin al Qasam brigades claimed responsibility for the attack on Telegram, stating it was in response to ‘Zionist massacres against civilians.’ The Israeli military confirmed that eight rockets were fired from Rafah in southern Gaza and noted that some were intercepted.
On the same day, the Israeli military conducted shelling and artillery fire on Rafah and other parts of the Palestinian territory. The civil defense in Gaza reported retrieving six bodies after an airstrike on a house in eastern Rafah. Despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to suspend its operations, the assaults continue.
Internal and international pressure is mounting for a resolution that includes the release of hostages held by Hamas since the onset of the war in October. The Israeli war cabinet was set to meet Sunday evening to discuss efforts for their release, while reports suggest the government might renew negotiations soon.
The ICJ also demanded the opening of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza for humanitarian aid. Egypt, which had closed the crossing, has now allowed aid trucks to transit through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing. However, humanitarian aid remains limited, exacerbating the dire conditions in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences. The United Nations warns of a catastrophic situation, with risks of famine and failing hospitals. While Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties due to their military tactics, reports indicate that humanitarian conditions remain desperate.
- Judge Dr. Julia Sabutinda from Uganda has garnered attention for opposing ICJ orders that would stop Israeli military operations in Rafah. Sabutinda emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself and that Hamas is responsible for prolonging the conflict by holding hostages and continuing attacks.
- Israeli forces have captured the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, uncovering evidence that personnel belonged to Hamas's military wing. The border remains closed to aid deliveries, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has documented a backlog of aid trucks on the Egyptian side, with many supplies becoming unusable due to delays.
