Latest Developments

In a display of intensified conflict, at least 23 Palestinians were tragically killed during two separate Israeli air strikes in the southern Gaza cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. Health officials have confirmed this. On the other side, the Israeli military reported having gained control over a Hamas military stronghold in northern Gaza. The military claims to have discovered anti-tank missiles, launchers, weapons, and various intelligence materials at the location.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel expressed openness to considering “tactical little pauses” in the fighting to allow for the safe exit of hostages or the delivery of aid. However, he rejected the idea of implementing a ceasefire, despite international pressure to do so. Israel has encircled Gaza City, home to the Hamas Islamist group, and announced taking control of a militant compound. They are now preparing to target fighters hidden in an intricate network of underground tunnels.

In the devastated town of Khan Younis, a survivor who was rescued from the rubble of a house shared his perspective on the situation. Ahmed Ayesh warned that Israel would face a formidable lesson and criticized the targeting of civilians, including innocents such as children and the elderly. The conflict began when Hamas launched a raid on the southern region of Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 people and the capture of 240 hostages. Gaza health officials report that the Israeli assault has claimed the lives of over 10,000 Palestinians, including approximately 4,100 children.

Both Israel and Hamas have rejected calls for a ceasefire, citing their own conditions. Israel insists that the hostages be released, while Hamas refuses to stop fighting while Gaza is under attack. The idea of tactical pauses for humanitarian purposes, supported by the United States, is being considered by Israel. President Joe Biden discussed this matter during a phone call with Netanyahu, affirming his support for Israel while emphasizing the protection of civilians.

Concerns have been raised by the United Nations, citing the toll the conflict has taken on innocent lives, particularly children. The Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called for an urgent ceasefire and highlighted the devastating impact on Gaza’s youngest population. International organizations have expressed their alarm at the overwhelmed state of hospitals, the depletion of essential resources such as food and clean water, and the inadequate amount of aid delivered thus far.

The Israel Defense Forces reported taking control of a Hamas military stronghold in northern Gaza, seizing anti-tank missiles, launchers, weapons, and intelligence materials. The Israeli military also conducted airstrikes on Hamas militants attempting to launch an attack on Israeli forces from a building near the al-Quds Hospital. Israeli forces have surrounded Gaza City, cutting off access between northern and southern areas.

The U.N. Security Council is grappling with the issue and attempting to reach a consensus on a resolution, but their efforts have been unsuccessful thus far. A key obstacle is the question of whether to call for a ceasefire, cessation of hostilities, or humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid delivery in Gaza. In Tokyo, at a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, there was a plan to call for a pause in fighting and the allowance of humanitarian access to Gaza.

The Biden administration has informed the U.S. Congress of its intent to transfer $320 million worth of precision bombs to Israel. This move comes in response to rockets fired at Israeli cities from Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has engaged in a series of exchanges with Israeli forces along the Lebanese-Israeli border, resulting in the most significant conflict since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Emily Rose in Gaza, Patricia Zengerle in Washington, and Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Written by Daphne Psaledakis and Lincoln Feast; Edited by Rami Ayyub, Cynthia Osterman, and Simon Cameron-Moore

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