The Israeli prime minister’s office referred to Hamas most recent cease-fire proposals as “unrealistic”.
1 According to a statement released today by his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given his approval to plans for a ground offensive in Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza. According to the statement, the Israeli military is “getting ready for the operational side and for the evacuation of the population.” Almost a million Palestinians, many of whom were forced to flee Israeli military incursions in other areas of the enclave, are taking refuge in the city
2. The statement also addressed Hamas’s most recent cease-fire request, which it deemed to be “unrealistic.” To discuss their stance, an Israeli delegation is scheduled to visit Qatar. According to Reuters, Hamas sent the plan to the United States and mediators. It calls for the release of Israeli hostages in return for the release of 100 Palestinian inmates, including some serving life sentences.
3 Upon performing an enjoyable journey across the southern Mediterranean Sea, a private aid ship has reached Gaza today. A barge delivering protein, rice, and flour is being towed by the Open Arms ship to the enclave, where the UN estimates that almost 25% of its 2.3 million inhabitants are “one step away” from starvation as a result of the five months of fighting.
4 After a pleasant voyage over the southern Mediterranean Sea, a private relief vessel has arrived in Gaza today. In the enclave, where the UN believes that over 25% of its 2.3 million residents are “one step away” from starvation as a result of the five months of conflict, a barge carrying protein, rice, and wheat is being hauled by the Open Arms ship.
5 Yesterday, the Biden administration called on Israel to take greater action to stop settler violence and levied sanctions on two Israeli outposts and three individuals it claimed were threatening stability in the occupied West Bank. The national security minister of ultranationalist Israel, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called it “proof that the U.S. administration does not understand who is an enemy and who it loves.”
6 The Health Ministry of Gaza reports that over 73,000 people have been injured since October 7, bringing the total number of casualties in the territory to around 31,000. According to the Israeli military, since the ground invasion of Gaza started, at least 247 soldiers have lost their lives.
