Amid growing international outcry, Israeli troops and tanks have entered Rafah, marking an intensification of operations in the Gaza Strip. Rafah, the last city under full Israeli military focus in the south of the Strip, has been under siege for weeks. Local residents reported seeing military movements in the central part of the city, while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded into the a-Sultan area, a zone where the army previously had no ground presence.
A media firestorm erupted following reports from Hamas Civil Protection and local doctors of an Israeli attack on the humanitarian tents in the a-Mawasi area, leading to 21 Palestinian deaths. The IDF, however, vehemently denied these allegations, with military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stating the army did not strike in the humanitarian area. The confusion has led to widespread concern regarding the veracity of battlefield reports.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned the airstrikes on Rafah, expressing deep sorrow over the images of casualties, including children. He has demanded an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is reportedly assessing whether the Israeli attack on Rafah breaches the 'red line' set by Washington.
The humanitarian situation in Rafah remains dire. According to UNRWA, around one million people have fled the city amidst bombings, food and water shortages, and poor living conditions. An initial Israeli military investigation into a recent raid that killed 45 Palestinians suggested that secondary explosions, possibly from ammunition or other combustible substances, were responsible for the devastating aftermath. The IDF stated that the small missiles used in the raid would not have been sufficient alone to cause such extensive damage.
As the conflict rages on, diplomatic frontlines have also been activated. Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz launched a scathing attack on Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez following Spain's recognition of the Palestinian state, accusing him of incitement to genocide and war crimes. Diplomatic efforts are concurrently being made by Egypt, Qatar, and the USA to mediate a potential agreement for hostage releases.
On the 235th day of the war, the IDF confirmed targeted actions and close combat operations against Hamas militants in Rafah, specifically along the 'Philadelphia Corridor' adjacent to the Egyptian border. Despite international criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear he will not end the military campaign until all objectives are achieved.
- The U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting following the recent violent escalation in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack on a Rafah refugee camp as 'tragic' but also emphasized his determination to continue the military campaign.
- U.S. support for Israel remains firm despite the global backlash, though Washington reiterates the importance of taking all necessary precautions to protect civilian lives. Meanwhile, Hamas has temporarily suspended its participation in ceasefire negotiations following the recent attack.
- New reports indicate that Israel has deployed another brigade to the Gaza Strip, increasing the total number of brigades to six. This escalation followed an International Court of Justice ruling calling for an end to military operations in Rafah. The Israeli news site Ynet reported further movements of ground troops and tanks in the city center of Rafah, marking a significant expansion of military operations.
