Israel launched deadly air strikes on Rafah on Thursday, threatening to send troops to hunt for Hamas militants in the southern Gaza city. The health ministry reported another 97 people killed in the past 24 hours in Gaza, raising concerns about escalating civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis. US envoy Brett McGurk was in Israel for truce efforts, meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other mediators.
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was in Cairo for truce talks as international mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, tried to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The Israeli defense ministry discussed returning hostages and humanitarian aid with McGurk, while National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said discussions were going well. War cabinet member Benny Gantz expressed optimism for progress in hostage return plans.
The war in Gaza has also led to increased violence in the West Bank, with three Palestinian gunmen attacking cars, and a subsequent Israeli strike on a car in a refugee camp. Concern focused on Rafah, where displaced civilians are living in crowded shelters. Israel warned it would continue fighting during Ramadan if hostages were not released, and continued bombing Rafah overnight, resulting in more deaths.
The conflict initially started with Hamas’s attack on October 7, resulting in thousands of deaths and hostages in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas but has faced domestic pressure over hostages. The G20 broadly supports a two-state solution, while aid efforts in Gaza have been hampered by hostilities and insecurity. MSF condemned an Israeli tank strike on their employees in Khan Yunis, and criticized Washington for vetoing ceasefire resolutions while civilians suffered. Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked Red Sea shipping lanes in solidarity with Palestinians, causing global trade disruptions. Regional tensions were further heightened by Hezbollah fighters killed in a drone strike in south Lebanon and retaliatory rocket fire.
