As tensions rise in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Bnei Gantz has issued a warning that if the prisoner deal is not successfully negotiated, an offensive in Rafah during Ramadan is on the table. However, he has indicated that signs of progress in the prisoner negotiations are emerging, though the Israeli government remains firm on not missing any opportunity to bring the hostages home.
Preparations for Military Campaign in Rafah
Gantz revealed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are actively preparing for a military campaign in Rafah, set to commence after the evacuation of Palestinian civilians from the area. This move is seen as a response to the ongoing efforts by American President Bret MacGregor, a top advisor in Western Asia, attempting to mediate discussions between Israel and Hamas for a temporary ceasefire until the beginning of Ramadan.
Stalled Negotiations and Israel’s Conditions
Stating that Israel is retreating from some of the conditions it accepted earlier in negotiations facilitated by the U.S., France, and Qatar in Paris at the beginning of February, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri affirmed that Israel is stepping back from the commitments it initially agreed upon. However, Israeli authorities have yet to respond to these comments.
Violence Escalates, Airstrikes and Casualties
Recent developments have seen an escalation in violence, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Al-Farouk Mosque and several homes in Rafah. In the last 24 hours, the airstrikes resulted in the death of 97 people and injuries to 130 others. Most of the affected are still trapped in the rubble. The total Palestinian death toll has now reached 29,410.
Israeli Casualty in West Bank: Another Dimension of the Conflict
In a separate incident, three armed individuals carried out a shooting near a checkpoint in Israel-controlled West Bank, resulting in the death of an Israeli citizen and the injury of eight others. Two attackers were killed during the incident, while the third was apprehended. The IDF has intensified its operations against Hamas strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip, claiming to have eliminated 20 militants and destroyed their infrastructure.
Appeals for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Assistance
International relief agencies, including UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, issued a joint statement expressing deep concerns about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Rafah. They warned of widespread displacement and emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, citing severe shortages of water, food, and medical supplies.
Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Target Shipping in Aden Gulf
Separately, Houthi rebels in Yemen targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, resulting in a fire on board. The Israeli military responded, successfully intercepting the missile through its Iron Dome missile defense system.
As tensions mount in the region, the international community watches anxiously, awaiting developments in the delicate negotiations and hoping for a resolution that avoids further loss of life and destruction.