Israeli Strike in Gaza Strip
An Israeli strike killed more than 30 people in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, as reported by the Palestinian territory’s civil defense agency. This incident occurred while United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was visiting Israel for talks on the conflict.
Current Situation in Rafah
Israeli troops have advanced into Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, which is described as the last Hamas stronghold. The US reports that 800,000 civilians have been newly displaced by the ongoing fighting in this area.
Hamas’s Response
Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, targeted Israeli forces stationed at the Rafah crossing with mortar fire. This crossing, a vital conduit for humanitarian aid, is currently closed.
Escalation of Conflict
Israel has engaged in fighting with Hamas forces in various areas of the coastal territory, previously under army control. The US has warned about the potential for a lengthy counterinsurgency campaign if the situation continues to escalate.
Latest Aerial Bombardment
In the most recent aerial bombardment, an Israeli strike in the central Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in the death of 31 people and the injury of 20, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.
International Involvement
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the conflict and potential postwar scenarios. The US is advocating for a political strategy for the future of the Palestinian enclave and a broader diplomatic deal involving regional powers.
Calls for Ceasefire
US President Joe Biden has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for a regional peace deal to achieve a two-state solution.
