Israeli airstrikes struck Rafah on Thursday, as reported by Palestinian residents, despite US President Joe Biden’s warning to withhold weapons if the assault on the southern Gaza city continues.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disregarded Biden’s threat, and a senior Israeli official announced the conclusion of the latest round of indirect negotiations in Cairo aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza.
Israel affirmed its intent to proceed with operations in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip as planned.
Israel conveyed concerns to mediators regarding a hostage release proposal by Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s determination, declaring, “If necessary, we will fight fiercely, utilising all available means.”
Meanwhile, Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters reportedly launched anti-tank rockets and mortars towards Israeli tanks positioned on the eastern outskirts of Gaza City.
In Rafah, Palestinian residents and medical personnel reported casualties from Israeli airstrikes.
An airstrike targeting two houses in the Sabra neighbourhood claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals, including women and children.
Among those killed were a senior commander of the militant Al-Mujahedeen Brigades, along with his family, and another group leader’s family, as reported by medics, relatives, and the group itself.
Israel alleges that Hamas militants are using Rafah as a hiding place, with the population swelled by hundreds of thousands of Gazans seeking shelter from the bombardments that have devastated much of the coastal enclave.
“It puts us in a corner because we have to deal with Rafah one way or the other,”
The White House reiterated its desire for Israel to refrain from launching a full-scale operation in Rafah, expressing doubt that such action would further Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas.
Spokesperson John Kirby emphasised that Hamas had faced significant pressure from Israel and suggested there were more effective alternatives to targeting the remaining leadership of the group, considering the high risk to civilians.
According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, Israel’s assault has resulted in the deaths of nearly 35,000 Palestinians and the injury of almost 80,000, with the majority being civilians.
The offensive which was initiated in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas militants on Israel on Oct. 7, resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties and 252 abductions.
Currently, 128 hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 declared deceased, according to Israeli reports.
President Biden issued a stern warning against a full ground invasion in Rafah, stating, “I made it clear that if they go into Rafah…I’m not supplying the weapons.”
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, criticised the decision to withhold weapons over Rafah, arguing that it sends the “wrong message” to Hamas and Israel’s adversaries.
“It puts us in a corner because we have to deal with Rafah one way or the other,” Herzog remarked during a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace webinar.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, chief spokesperson for the Israeli armed forces, stated that Israel possesses the necessary munitions for operations in Rafah and other planned endeavors.
He reported that Israeli forces have already eliminated 50 Palestinian gunmen in eastern Rafah and discovered multiple tunnels. Hamas did not immediately respond to these statements.
Negotiations Conclude
Delegations from Hamas, Israel, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been meeting in Cairo since Tuesday.
Although discussions in Egypt’s capital showed some progress, no agreement was ultimately reached, according to two Egyptian security sources.
Izzat El-Risheq, a member of Hamas’ political office in Qatar, confirmed that the Hamas delegation had left Cairo after reiterating its support for the mediators’ ceasefire proposal.
The proposal includes the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and a number of Palestinians detained by Israel.
Hamas accuses Israel of hindering an agreement and asserts through its Al-Aqsa TV’s Telegram account that it will not compromise beyond the terms accepted in the proposal.
Meanwhile, although Israel has expressed willingness to consider a ceasefire, it continues to reject demands for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Washington remains engaged with Israel on adjustments to the ceasefire proposal, highlighting the complexity of finalising the agreement text.
Humanitarian and Medical Sector in Crisis
Israeli residents ignited fires twice at the perimeter of the UN agency headquarters for Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem, causing significant damage to outdoor areas, but no casualties, according to UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.
Israeli police did not immediately respond to the incidents. Lazzarini expressed concern for the safety of UN staff and announced the closure of the compound until security is restored.
On Tuesday, Israeli tanks seized control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, disrupting a crucial aid route and prompting 80,000 people to flee the city this week, according to the United Nations.
Israeli military operations continued across Gaza, with tanks advancing in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City in the north, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of families, as reported by residents.
The Israeli military stated it was securing Zeitoun, starting with intelligence-based aerial strikes on around 25 militant targets.
Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza became overcrowded with people who had fled Rafah in recent days.
Palestinian medics reported that a drone fired a missile at a group of people there, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a woman.
The closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt has hindered the evacuation of the wounded and sick, as well as the entry of essential medical supplies, food trucks, and fuel needed to operate hospitals, stated the Gaza health ministry on Thursday.
Due to the shelling, the only kidney dialysis center in the Rafah area had ceased operations.
“The entire medical sector has collapsed,” remarked Ali Abu Khurma, a Jordanian surgeon volunteering at Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah.
United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths expressed grave concern, stating that for three consecutive days, “nothing and no one has been allowed in or out of Gaza.”
He emphasised the dire situation, where aid supplies are stranded, humanitarian teams are unable to access the area, and civilians in Gaza are facing starvation and violence without assistance.
Griffiths shared his sentiments on a post on X, describing the current state of Gaza as continuing “even after 7 months of horrors.”
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