Rafah, Gaza Strip – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given the green light for a military operation in Rafah, a move that has raised concerns among world leaders and humanitarian organizations. The operation, aimed at the densely populated city that is home to over 1.4 million Palestinians seeking refuge, has drawn criticism for its potential devastating impact.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Vienna, expressed the Biden administration’s apprehension about the lack of a detailed plan from Israel on how it intends to protect civilians in Rafah. President Biden himself has warned that any Israeli invasion of Rafah would cross a “red line,” emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety and security of Gazans.
The White House National Security Council echoed these sentiments, stating that the United States cannot support a military offensive in Rafah without a credible plan to safeguard the well-being of the local population. Without such a plan, the council warned, the operation could result in a humanitarian disaster.
In response to the growing concerns, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced plans to relocate a significant portion of Rafah’s population to designated “humanitarian islands” in central Gaza. These islands, to be established in collaboration with the international community, aim to provide a safe haven for displaced residents during the military operation.
Meanwhile, Israel has also disclosed its intention to send a delegation to Qatar to continue negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. This development comes amidst ongoing ceasefire proposals from Hamas, with Israel labeling the demands made by the Palestinian group as unrealistic.
Amidst the escalating tensions, a second aid vessel is set to depart from Cyprus to Gaza, carrying additional food supplies to alleviate the region’s worsening food crisis. World Central Kitchen, a U.S. nonprofit organization founded by chef José Andrés, is spearheading the relief efforts to address the increasing hunger and malnutrition rates in Gaza, where one in three children under the age of 2 are suffering from acute malnutrition.
As the conflict continues to unfold, reports emerge of a deadly attack in northern Gaza that claimed the lives of at least 20 people and left over 150 injured. Palestinian officials have accused Israel of carrying out the attack, while Israeli military sources deny responsibility and claim that Palestinian gunmen were engaged in the violence. The conflicting accounts underline the complexity and volatility of the situation in the region.
Since the onset of the war, Gaza has witnessed staggering casualties, with over 31,490 people killed and 73,439 injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The indiscriminate violence has taken a heavy toll on both civilians and combatants, with Israel reporting hundreds of casualties among its soldiers engaged in the military operation in Gaza. The mounting human cost underscores the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire and concerted international efforts to bring an end to the conflict.