The article discusses Israel’s preparations for a military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah despite international concerns about the safety of Palestinian civilians in the area. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized plans to target Hamas strongholds in Rafah, citing the city as the next center of gravity for the ongoing conflict.
U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders have urged Israel to prioritize the safety of civilians and consider a cease-fire instead of launching the operation. Egypt has also cautioned against the offensive, warning of potential diplomatic repercussions.
Rafah, home to over half of Gaza’s population, has become densely populated with displaced Palestinians, many living in makeshift tent camps. Despite calls for evacuation plans, Palestinians and aid agencies argue that there is no safe refuge due to Israeli airstrikes targeting areas designated as shelters.
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The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack that killed over a thousand people in Israel and took hostages, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement among Palestinians. Israel’s offensive aims to weaken Hamas, but concerns remain about the humanitarian crisis and potential escalation of violence.
Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire have stalled, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting calls for a Palestinian state and vowing to continue the offensive until Hamas is defeated and hostages are freed.
Meanwhile, Israel has accused the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) of collaborating with Hamas, leading to the suspension of funding by donor countries. UNRWA denies the allegations, but the funding suspension threatens vital humanitarian aid for millions of Gazans. Israeli authorities have proposed working with alternative organizations to replace UNRWA.
