Israeli military airstrikes target Rafah in southern Gaza following warnings of an imminent ground offensive in the border city, where an estimated 1.4 million Palestinians seek shelter amid ongoing attacks across the enclave.Read full article
With more than four months of relentless assaults by land, air, and sea, much of Gaza Strip lies flattened, pushing its 2.3 million population to the brink of famine, as per the United Nations.
Recent international focus has honed in on Rafah, where a potential ground invasion could displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians towards the Egyptian border.
Rafah, the last city untouched by Israeli ground forces, also serves as the primary entry point for humanitarian aid from neighboring Egypt, supplying crucial relief to the beleaguered population.
Israel has issued warnings of expanding ground operations into Rafah if Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, fails to release remaining captives in Gaza by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in March.
The Gaza Ministry of Health reported 99 casualties overnight, predominantly women, children, and the elderly, emphasizing the civilian toll of the conflict.
The ministry reported that the death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza has risen to 29,410 since October 7, with at least 69,465 people wounded.
Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, is set to arrive in Israel on Thursday, his second stop in the region following Egypt, as part of US efforts to facilitate a deal exchanging captives for Palestinian prisoners and to broker a ceasefire.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, stated that Washington is seeking an agreement for a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and provide humanitarian aid, without disclosing specifics of the ongoing negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to continue the military campaign until Hamas is dismantled and all captives are freed.