Israel vows to press ahead with 'powerful' Rafah operation, despite global opposition

Israel has announced its determination to continue its operation in Gaza’s Rafah, despite mounting calls to hold off on sending troops into the overcrowded city. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced increasing pressure to refrain from a large-scale ground assault, but he insists on eliminating Hamas’s presence in Rafah. Netanyahu stated, “We will fight until complete victory, and this includes a powerful action in Rafah after we ensure the safe evacuation of civilians from the battle zones.”

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Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have entered their second day, while cross-border fire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah has raised concerns of a wider conflict. Netanyahu has pledged to crush Hamas in response to their attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,160 people, mostly civilians. Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliatory military offensive in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 28,576 people, predominantly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory.

Efforts are underway in Cairo, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators aiming to secure a ceasefire and secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Gaza militants. A delegation from Hamas is expected to meet with the mediators following talks with Israeli negotiators. CIA director William Burns also joined the discussions, which have been described as “constructive and moving in the right direction” by US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

Amidst escalating tensions, the Israeli army reported that rocket fire from Lebanon resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier. Lebanese state media and a security source confirmed that Israeli strikes killed six civilians, including three women and two children, as well as a Hezbollah fighter in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has been engaging in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israeli troops since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of people on both sides. In Lebanon, over 240 people have been killed, primarily Hezbollah members, but also including over 30 civilians. In Israel, the army reports that 10 soldiers and six civilians have lost their lives.

The potential for mass civilian casualties in Rafah has prompted urgent appeals for Israel to refrain from sending troops into the city. Rafah, with over 1.4 million trapped Palestinians, serves as the main entry point for essential relief supplies. Civilians in the area are desperately seeking safety as they face outbreaks of disease, scarcity of food, and lack of access to clean water in makeshift camps along the Egyptian border. The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for the protection of civilian lives, stating that “countless lives are hanging in the balance.”

Israel’s military continues its bombardment of Gaza, targeting both Rafah and the southern city of Khan Yunis. Concerns have also been raised about the situation at Nasser hospital in southern Gaza, where a nurse reported sniper attacks, flooding in the emergency room, and a shortage of drinking water. The Israeli military maintains that troops have been instructed to protect civilians and medical facilities.

While some residents of Rafah are preparing to relocate, others are determined to stay, fearing further misery and starvation if they return to their devastated hometowns in Gaza City. Urgent actions are being taken by the remaining hostages, including the filing of a “crimes against humanity” charge against Hamas leaders at the International Criminal Court. Spain and Ireland have also urged the European Union to examine whether Israel is fulfilling its human rights obligations in Gaza under a trade agreement linked to rights.

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