Israel-Hamas Conflict in Gaza Strip
Israel’s forces are engaged in ongoing battles with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissing a bid for an international arrest warrant against him on war-crimes charges in the Palestinian territory.
US Support for Israel
United States President Joe Biden has condemned the bid by the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor, supporting Netanyahu’s stance. The military actions in Gaza have intensified, with ground combat and air strikes targeting 70 locations within the last 24 hours.
Deadly Clashes in West Bank
Simultaneously, Israeli forces are facing deadly clashes in the occupied West Bank, with at least seven Palestinians reported killed in Jenin. The army described the operation as a “counterterrorism operation.”
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic, with 1.1 million people facing hunger and the territory on the brink of famine. Three-quarters of the population have been displaced, with dire conditions prevailing.
Recent Developments
The conflict has centered around Rafah and Jabalia, with reports of fierce combat. Israel claims to have eliminated several militants in these areas. The Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia has been under siege, endangering patients and staff.
International Response
The International Criminal Court prosecutor has applied for arrest warrants against leaders on both sides of the conflict, emphasizing that no one is above international law. The warrants target key figures from Israel and Hamas.
Reactions
Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have strongly rejected the comparison with Hamas, emphasizing the differences between a democratic state and a terrorist organization. The warrants, if granted, could have international implications.