Israeli forces commenced bombardments on Rafah after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed US President Joe Biden’s threat to withhold weapons from Israel if it assaults the southern Gaza city, Reuters reports.
Ceasefire talks in Cairo to halt hostilities in Gaza made little progress and ultimately ended without a deal, with Hamas blaming Israel for the lack of agreement. Israel has stated its openness to a truce but rejected demands for an immediate end to the conflict. Israel indicated it would proceed with its operation in Rafah.
Palestinian militants fired anti-tank rockets and mortars at Israeli tanks on the city’s eastern outskirts, while Israeli airstrikes targeted residential areas, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children. The closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, preventing the evacuation of the wounded and the entry of essential medical supplies and food.
The US expressed hope that Israel would refrain from a full-scale operation in Rafah, citing concerns about civilian casualties and the effectiveness of such action against Hamas. Despite pressure from the international community, Israel asserted its determination to proceed with its military operation in Gaza.
