In a continuation of the escalating conflict in Gaza, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in the Rafah area, defying international pressure and warnings from U.S. President Joe Biden. Despite Biden’s threat to withhold weapons from Israel if it targeted Rafah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s military operations, dismissing diplomatic appeals.
The bombardment of Rafah came after the collapse of indirect negotiations in Cairo aimed at halting hostilities. Talks involving Hamas, Israel, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar failed to reach a ceasefire agreement, leading to a further intensification of violence.
Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad responded with anti-tank rockets and mortars targeting Israeli tanks near Rafah, escalating the cycle of violence. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties, including a senior commander of the Al-Mujahedeen Brigades.
International concerns mounted as the conflict unfolded, with the White House urging Israel to avoid a full-scale operation in Rafah, citing the potential for civilian harm and the limited prospects of achieving strategic objectives.
The humanitarian situation worsened as Israeli actions, including the closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, disrupted aid access and led to mass displacement of tens of thousands of people. The Gaza health sector faced a crisis, with medical facilities unable to operate effectively due to shortages of supplies and staff.
The United Nations condemned the violence and the targeting of its facilities in East Jerusalem, which led to the closure of vital humanitarian operations. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further civilian suffering.
As diplomatic efforts faltered and military actions intensified, the conflict in Gaza showed no signs of abating, raising concerns about the humanitarian toll and the prospects for peace in the region.
