Israel Hits Gaza; US to Block UN Truce Resolution

Overnight and into Sunday, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, as reported by medical personnel and witnesses. Concurrently, the United States has stated its intention to veto another draft U.N. cease-fire resolution, focusing instead on facilitating a cease-fire and the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas. This effort is part of a broader strategy to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict comprehensively. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled Hamas’ demands as “unrealistic” and has dismissed international appeals for a pathway to Palestinian statehood.

Netanyahu has committed to continuing the offensive until a “total victory” over Hamas is achieved and has plans to extend the operation to Rafah. This area is currently a refuge for a significant portion of Gaza’s population, fleeing from conflict in other regions. The World Health Organization has reported that Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza is no longer operational due to an Israeli raid.

The recent airstrikes targeted Rafah and Khan Younis, resulting in multiple casualties, including women and children. The Israeli military has not commented on specific strikes but attributes civilian casualties to Hamas’ operations in densely populated areas.

The United States has opposed a new U.N. Security Council resolution drafted by Algeria, calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and unrestricted humanitarian access, citing it as counterproductive to ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of supporting a process that increases the likelihood of a successful resolution, rather than measures that could jeopardize it.

Efforts to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages have faced challenges, with significant differences between the demands of Israel and Hamas. The United States, along with Qatar and Egypt, continues to work towards a resolution, although progress has been slow. Hamas demands an end to the war and the release of Palestinian prisoners, which Israel and Netanyahu have rejected. Despite international concerns, Netanyahu has assured that plans are in place to evacuate residents from Rafah to safer areas, though the destination in the devastated Gaza remains unclear.