The Israeli military has escalated its offensive in Gaza, with intense bombardment and ground operations expanding into Rafah, a city that previously sheltered over a million displaced persons. The Israeli forces’ actions, described as ‘precise, intelligence-based,’ have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, with over 37,400 deaths reported, and nearly the entire population of Gaza left homeless and destitute. Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli military claims to be targeting militants and military infrastructure, while facing accusations of using excessive force and allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice as well as criticism for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Rafah and across Gaza.Israeli spokesperson Daniel Hagari has sparked controversy with his remarks that Hamas is ‘unbeatable’ and that efforts to destroy the organization are futile, contradicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to eliminate Hamas and free all hostages. The Israeli military, amid international condemnation and mounting casualties on both sides, is reportedly seeking to declare the end of the war after the Rafah operation, shifting focus to a growing conflict in the north and potentially opening pathways for a prisoner exchange. This strategic pivot comes after more than eight months of war, during which Israeli forces have faced significant losses, including the deaths of 662 soldiers since the aggression began on October 7.
Key points
- Israeli military escalates offensive in Gaza, with heavy bombardment and ground operations in Rafah.
- Over 37,400 Palestinian deaths reported, with nearly the entire population of Gaza left homeless.
- UN Security Council calls for an immediate ceasefire, while Israeli military seeks to end war after Rafah operation.
- Israeli spokesperson Daniel Hagari’s remarks on Hamas clash with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s objectives.
- Israeli military plans to shift focus to growing conflict in the north and consider prisoner exchange.
Contradictions👾Israeli spokesperson Daniel Hagari states Hamas is ‘unbeatable’, contradicting Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vow to eliminate the group.
👾The Israeli military is reportedly seeking to declare the end of the war, while intense combat continues in Rafah and central Gaza.
