Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to Israeli troops in Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip, on July 18, 2024. During his visit, Netanyahu emphasized the ‘necessity’ of Israel’s control over the Gaza-Egypt border, particularly the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing, for Israel’s security. He stated that this control would continue even after any potential agreement with Hamas on the release of hostages.The visit comes amid escalating violence in the region. Israeli forces have intensified their attacks on the Gaza Strip, with reports indicating at least 39 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in recent strikes. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the total death toll since the beginning of the conflict has reached 38,848, mostly civilians.Meanwhile, the Israeli parliament’s recent vote against the establishment of a Palestinian state continues to draw international condemnation. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep disappointment with the decision, calling it a major setback for the peace process. France, Egypt, and Jordan have also condemned the vote, with France stating it contradicts UN Security Council resolutions.Adding to the growing humanitarian concerns, Amnesty International has accused Israel of mistreating and torturing Palestinian prisoners. The human rights organization released a report alleging torture, enforced disappearance, and cruel treatment of detainees.In a separate development, an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed Habib Maatuk, a field commander of Hezbollah’s ‘Radwan’ special forces unit, along with four others. This action has further heightened tensions in the region, with the Iranian Foreign Ministry warning about potential consequences of an Israeli invasion of Lebanon.
Key points
- Netanyahu visited Israeli troops in Rafah, emphasizing the necessity of controlling the Gaza-Egypt border.
- Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties, with the death toll reaching 38,848.
- The Israeli parliament’s vote against Palestinian statehood has drawn widespread international condemnation.
- Amnesty International has accused Israel of torturing Palestinian prisoners.
Contradictions👾While Netanyahu emphasizes the necessity of controlling the Gaza-Egypt border for security, international bodies and human rights organizations criticize Israel’s actions and policies in the region.
