The Israeli military has intensified its campaign in the Gaza Strip, seizing control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a critical border area with Egypt, as part of the ongoing offensive against Hamas. This strategic move has triggered widespread international criticism and raised alarms about the humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians. The death toll from the conflict has escalated to 36,224, with recent Israeli airstrikes killing at least 45 people in a refugee camp in western Rafah. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Israel to develop a post-war plan, warning that failure to do so could result in chaos and the return of Hamas to power. Despite the International Court of Justice’s orders to cease attacks, Israel has continued its military operations in Rafah, contributing to the displacement of over a million Palestinians and increasing the risk of famine as noted by the United Nations and other international aid organizations. The conflict has also led to the deaths of two Red Crescent paramedics in an Israeli airstrike on an ambulance and the destruction of a UNRWA clinic. Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi expects the war to continue for another seven months, with the goal of dismantling militant groups and addressing the ongoing hostage crisis involving at least 125 individuals, of whom at least 37 are reported to no longer be alive.
Key points
- Israeli military intensifies offensive in Gaza, taking control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a key border area with Egypt.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls for Israel to develop a post-war plan to avoid chaos and the return of Hamas to power.
- Continued Israeli operations in Rafah have led to significant civilian casualties and displacement, with a death toll rising to 36,224.
- The United Nations warns of a potential famine in Gaza due to the conflict.
- National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi expects the war to continue for another seven months to dismantle militant groups and resolve a hostage crisis.
