Recent Israeli military operations in southern and northern Gaza have led to the displacement of nearly half a million Palestinians, according to the United Nations. Palestinian officials reported at least 12 people killed in central Gaza overnight and into Tuesday.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees stated that around 360,000 Palestinians were forced out of Rafah in Gaza's south over the past week. Israeli forces are engaged in battles with Hamas militants in both southern and northern Gaza, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 100,000 people so far.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with no food entering the main border crossings in southern Gaza for the past week. The United Nations warns that 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing catastrophic levels of hunger, with a 'full-blown famine' unfolding in the north.
Local health officials reported that more than 35,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the seven months of Israeli bombardment and ground operations in Gaza. The conflict began when Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
Israeli Strikes Target Aid Workers in Gaza
Human Rights Watch revealed that Israeli forces have carried out at least eight strikes on aid workers and their convoys, resulting in the deaths of 15 people, including two children. The aid groups had provided their coordinates to Israeli authorities for safety but received no advance warning before the strikes.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that over 250 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began, mostly Palestinian employees of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. Aid organizations have faced challenges in delivering assistance due to Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting.
White House Adviser Expresses Concerns Over Israeli Military Operations
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about Israel becoming 'mired in a counterinsurgency campaign that never ends' as Israeli forces focus on operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also cautioned about the risks of an enduring insurgency in post-war Gaza.
Sullivan emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts on hostage-for-truce negotiations and discussions with Israel to refine its plan to target Hamas militants while minimizing risks to Palestinian civilians. He addressed global criticism of Israel's actions, including accusations of committing genocide against Palestinians.
Egypt announced its support for South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. The United Nations court has raised concerns about a 'plausible risk of genocide' in Gaza, a charge strongly denied by Israel.
