Amidst the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Galant has issued a stark warning to Hamas, threatening consequences if a US-brokered ceasefire agreement is not accepted. The proposed ceasefire includes the exchange of prisoners and a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Despite Galant’s assertion of Israel’s commitment to returning all prisoners and facilitating humanitarian aid, the reality in Gaza remains grim, with severe shortages of food, water, and medicine leading to deaths from starvation. The UN has warned of the potential for half of Gaza’s population to face death and famine by mid-July if the blockade is not lifted. Meanwhile, the conflict has expanded to other fronts, with Israel and Hezbollah exchanging statements and attacks. Hezbollah claims Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack in Metulla, while Israel reports firing 4 anti-tank missiles from Lebanon, causing material damage but no human casualties. Israeli media have published images of significant damage to buildings in northern occupied Palestine, allegedly caused by Hezbollah rockets. The Lebanese town of Nabatieh has also been struck by Israeli fire, resulting in civilian injuries and destruction. Furthermore, the US Biden Administration has put on hold a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, signaling concerns over the high civilian toll in Gaza. The US continues to provide military aid to Israel, but the pause in bomb shipments reflects a growing unease over the conflict’s humanitarian impact. As Israeli forces prepare for a potential escalation in Lebanon, the international community watches with trepidation, fearing the onset of a larger regional war.
Key points
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant threatens Hamas with consequences if ceasefire is not accepted, amidst dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
- Israel and Hezbollah engage in cross-border attacks, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
- The US Biden Administration pauses shipment of heavy bombs to Israel due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
