U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israel has not informed the U.S. of a specific date for a major offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The United States has expressed concerns about the potential impact on civilians in the area and is working to ensure the protection of civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously announced plans to invade Rafah, but the U.S. insists on seeing a credible plan to safeguard civilians in the conflict. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with more than a million people facing starvation.
Recent data from Gaza’s Health Ministry revealed that Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in the region have led to the deaths of at least 33,360 Palestinians and injured 74,993 individuals. The majority of the casualties are women and children, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. The war, which began in October, has also resulted in the displacement of many Palestinians and a significant humanitarian crisis in the region. Efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are currently underway in Cairo, as international attention remains focused on the situation.
In a tragic incident, an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed 11 people, including seven women and children. The attack targeted a home in the town of Zawaida, further highlighting the toll of the conflict on civilians. The Israeli military’s withdrawal from the southern city of Khan Younis has not halted the airstrikes in the region, with plans for a ground assault in Rafah. Families of hostages held in Gaza met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to advocate for their release and a temporary cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safe return of their loved ones.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin informed Congress about efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and pressure on Israel to improve assistance to the region. Austin highlighted the need for continued progress in providing aid and protecting civilians. France’s foreign minister expressed France’s commitment to influencing Israel to open crossings with Gaza for essential humanitarian aid through various means, including potential sanctions. The ongoing conflict has also led to trade barriers between Turkey and Israel, further complicating regional relations.
Mediators have presented a new cease-fire proposal to Hamas and Israel, including a six-week pause in fighting and a potential swap of hostages and prisoners between the two sides. The proposal aims to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas and the return of Palestinian prisoners, as well as the gradual dismantling of Israeli checkpoints in Gaza. This proposal comes amidst ongoing negotiations in Cairo to broker a truce between the warring parties. International efforts continue to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mitigate the impact of the conflict on civilians.
