Israel’s Strategic Move in Rafah
Israel’s military announced on Wednesday that it has gained control over the entire length of Gaza’s border with Egypt, marking a significant escalation in its offensive in southern Gaza. The strategic Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the border, is now under Israeli control. This development indicates a deeper military push into southern Gaza, intensifying the conflict.
Israel-Hamas War: Heavy Fighting in Rafah
Palestinians in Rafah, a border city, reported intense fighting on Wednesday. Previously, Israel had stated that its operations in eastern Rafah were limited to the Gaza-Egypt border area. However, the situation has escalated, causing significant civilian displacement. The United States and other allies have expressed concerns, warning that a full-scale offensive in Rafah could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing fighting in Rafah has forced over a million Palestinians to flee, many of whom were already displaced due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. These displaced individuals are seeking refuge in makeshift camps and war-ravaged areas, facing severe shortages of shelter, food, water, and other essential supplies. The United Nations has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, urging for increased aid and support.
Duration of the Conflict
A top Israeli official indicated that the war with Hamas might continue until the end of the year. Israel’s strategy involves systematic destruction of Hamas’s infrastructure, which has resulted in a high civilian death toll. The Israeli Health Ministry reported that over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the conflict, though this figure does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
What is the main Reason of the Israel-Hamas War?
The Israel-Hamas War escalated after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the death of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals. Israel has stated that around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, along with the bodies of 30 more. This attack has fueled Israel’s determination to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip.
Recent Developments on Israel-Hamas War
- Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 37 Palestinians, mostly in tents near Rafah.
- Missile attacks have damaged a ship in the Red Sea off Yemen’s coast, near previous Houthi rebel assaults.
- The U.S. and other allies have warned Israel against a major military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the potential for significant civilian casualties.
- Algeria has proposed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding Israel halt its offensive in Rafah.
Israel-Hamas War: Humanitarian Aid Declines
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a significant drop in humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza since Israel launched its ground offensive in Rafah three weeks ago. The closure of the border crossing from Egypt to Rafah and safety concerns have hindered aid delivery. The U.N. has stressed the urgent need for food, fuel, medicine, and other essential supplies.
What is the Impact on Health and Social Services of This Israel-Hamas War?
Expanded fighting in Rafah has led to the closure of health, humanitarian relief, and social services. The World Health Organization reported that only one hospital in Rafah remains partially functional. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as more people are displaced and services are disrupted.
U.S. and International Reactions on Israel-Hamas War
U.S. national security spokesman John Kirby refrained from confirming Israel’s control over the Philadelphi Corridor but acknowledged Israel’s limited ground operations in Rafah. The Biden administration and other allies have expressed concerns about a full-scale offensive, warning it would cross a “red line” and result in severe humanitarian consequences.
What International Court of Justice Syas on Rafah?
Israel-Hamas War: The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, as part of South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians. Despite this, Israel has continued its operations, with significant international criticism. The U.N. Mideast envoy warned of a “regional conflagration” if the conflict continues, urging both sides to return to negotiations and cease hostilities.
Israeli Military Actions and Civilian Casualties in Israel-Hamas War
Israeli military operations have intensified in Rafah, with significant civilian casualties reported. The U.S. has criticized Israel for failing to protect civilians adequately and obstructing humanitarian aid. Calls for a comprehensive investigation into civilian deaths continue to mount, with pressure on Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law.
Global Diplomatic Efforts
Israel-Hamas War:French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have called for an immediate end to Israel’s military intervention in Gaza, following a deadly bombing of a tent camp in Rafah. Macron has expressed France’s determination to work with Algeria and other partners to address the humanitarian crisis and push for a cease-fire.
Rising Tensions with Israel’s Neighbors
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of psychopathy and likening Israel’s actions to those of a “vampire that feeds on blood.” This rhetoric underscores the heightened tensions between Israel and regional actors, exacerbating the geopolitical complexities of the conflict.
Israeli Domestic Politics
Criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict has emerged from within his own government. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of misleading the public about the war’s goals and called for early elections to restore public trust. Eisenkot’s party has threatened to leave the government if the current strategy is not altered.
What could be the long-term impact of Israel-Hamas War?
The war with Hamas is expected to last several more months, with significant implications for both Israeli and Palestinian populations. Nearly two million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced, with ongoing military operations causing further devastation. The U.N. and other international bodies continue to call for a humanitarian cease-fire and the release of hostages to pave the way for a long-term resolution.
Conclusion
The conflict in Gaza, particularly the battle for control of Rafah, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and significant international concern. The strategic capture of the Philadelphi Corridor by Israel marks a critical point in the ongoing conflict, but the toll on civilians continues to rise. As global diplomatic efforts intensify, the focus remains on achieving a cease-fire and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.
Also Read: Rafah (Israel-Gaza War): President Biden’s Stance on the Conflict and Its Impact
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