Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue to intensify, particularly in Khan Younis and Rafah, despite growing international criticism and dire humanitarian concerns. Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi announced that approximately 900 militants have been killed in Rafah since the beginning of Israel’s ground assault in early May, including at least one battalion commander and many company commanders. However, Palestinian health officials report a much higher civilian death toll, with the latest figures indicating at least 38,000 deaths since the conflict began in October.The United Nations warns that around 250,000 people are affected by Israel’s recent evacuation orders in Khan Younis. This mass displacement is exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis, with the UN estimating that 1.9 million people are now displaced across Gaza. The World Health Organization has pleaded for the European Hospital in Khan Younis to be spared from attacks as an Israeli ground invasion looms.There are conflicting reports about Israel’s military strategy moving forward. Some sources suggest that Israel has begun withdrawing its forces from most areas in the Gaza Strip, potentially transitioning to a third phase of the war involving smaller-scale operations. However, other reports indicate continued intense attacks, with the Israeli army reportedly needing 10,000 more soldiers immediately and recalling 15,000 reserve soldiers.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports of seeking a ceasefire due to troop exhaustion, stating that Israel will continue to fight until achieving a ‘total victory’. Meanwhile, Palestinian resistance factions, including Hamas, claim to have inflicted casualties on Israeli forces in various parts of Gaza.The ongoing conflict has also sparked regional tensions, with reports of Houthi rebels from Yemen and Iraqi pro-Iranian militia launching a joint missile attack on the Israeli city of Haifa, although Israeli media did not confirm any impacts.
Key points
- Israel claims to have killed 900 militants in Rafah since early May, including high-ranking officers.
- The death toll in Gaza has reached at least 38,000, according to Palestinian health officials.
- The UN warns that 250,000 people are affected by recent evacuation orders, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
- There are conflicting reports about Israel’s military strategy, with some sources suggesting a potential withdrawal and others indicating continued intense attacks.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about Israel’s military strategy, with some sources suggesting a withdrawal and transition to smaller-scale operations, while others indicate an intensification of attacks and the need for more troops.
👾The Israeli government denies seeking a ceasefire, contradicting earlier reports of internal debates about ending the conflict.
