In Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, Palestinians mourned the victims of Israeli bombings. Israel has announced plans for a ground invasion there, where many Gazans have taken refuge from ongoing conflict. Aid groups are concerned that this operation will worsen the dire conditions for civilians.
Israeli forces have been bombing Rafah regularly, even before any ground assault. At Al-Najjar Hospital, mourners grieved over a white body bag. Elsewhere, people tried to recover belongings from the debris of bombed buildings.
Israeli officials say they’re targeting four Hamas battalions in Rafah. They plan to move forward with operations despite global concern. The war started with a major Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which killed over a thousand Israelis. Israel’s response has led to at least 34,305 deaths in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Recent clashes have taken place near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Attention is focused on Rafah, but Israel has struck other targets in Lebanon, escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The conflict could widen if these incidents continue.
US President Joe Biden has signed a bill for $13 billion in military aid to Israel, with a portion going to humanitarian aid for Gaza. However, the United Nations warns of food shortages and difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance.
Israel has also targeted Gaza hospitals, claiming Hamas uses them as command centers and hides hostages there. Hamas denies these accusations. Mass graves have been found at major hospitals, raising concerns about war crimes and calls for investigations.
The ongoing violence has led to protests and calls for the Israeli government to negotiate for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, the European Union and the White House are demanding answers about these mass graves, pushing for a transparent investigation.
