Netanyahu Vows ‘Powerful Action’ in Rafah, IDF Strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon. Get the Latest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again declared his commitment to carrying out significant military operations in Rafah, emphasizing Israel’s determination to achieve “absolute victory.” Netanyahu stated that “powerful action” in Rafah, Gaza’s densely populated city, would follow once civilians have been evacuated from the areas deemed as conflict zones. This stance has prompted urgent pleas from international leaders and organizations, urging Israel to reconsider a ground invasion to prevent catastrophic loss of life. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock specifically highlighted the potential for a “humanitarian catastrophe” as a result of such actions.

In related developments, the Israeli military has conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, following a lethal rocket attack on a northern Israeli city from Lebanese territory. In retaliation, the Israeli Defense Forces targeted “Hezbollah terror targets.” Although Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for the attack, Lebanese state media reported Israeli airstrikes in various towns in southern Lebanon.

World leaders, including the presidents of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France, along with the head of the World Health Organization, have made appeals against the proposed ground operation in Rafah. These calls underscore the grave concerns over the humanitarian implications of further military escalation.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, at the Nasser Medical Complex, reports have emerged of Israeli snipers targeting individuals attempting to flee the hospital. The Israeli military confirmed its operations in the area but did not directly address these allegations. It has instructed the hospital’s staff and patients to evacuate, claiming to have provided a “secure route” for civilians to leave.

Additionally, a US initiative to deliver flour to Gaza encountered obstacles with Israeli customs, despite approval from Israel’s war cabinet for the shipment to proceed through Ashdod port. This has raised concerns from the White House about the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In the United States, President Joe Biden has offered temporary protection from deportation for Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict, responding to pressures from the Arab-American community concerning the situation in Gaza.

At the United Nations, Arab nations are preparing to propose a ceasefire resolution that also calls for unimpeded humanitarian relief and opposes the relocation of Gaza’s residents.

Lastly, Netanyahu has stipulated that for ceasefire discussions in Cairo to progress, Hamas must alter its negotiation stance. Despite ongoing talks in the Egyptian capital concerning a ceasefire and exchanges of hostages and prisoners, Israel has rejected a counterproposal by Hamas that demanded a substantial release of Palestinian prisoners, indicating a challenging path forward in the negotiations.