Overnight air strikes by Israel on the southern Gaza city of Rafah have resulted in the death of 22 people, 18 of which are reported to be children, according to health officials. The strikes come amidst a larger context of ongoing conflict and debate over US military aid to Israel.
The air raids are part of a continued Israeli military operation against Hamas militant group and have been almost a daily occurrence in Rafah. This city has become a refuge for more than half of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, fleeing the conflict that has engulfed the rest of the territory. Despite international and US calls for restraint, Israel has declared intentions to expand its ground offensive into the city near the Egyptian border.
“In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. He didn’t give details.
The devastating effect of the conflict on the civilian population of Gaza is profound. In the first reported strike, a man, his wife who was pregnant, and their 3-year-old child were killed. Doctors at the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital managed to save the baby. A subsequent strike claimed the lives of 17 children and two women from one extended family. The impact of the conflict is further evidenced by the local health officials’ reports of over 34,000 Palestinian deaths, with at least two-thirds being children and women.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a $26 billion aid package, with approximately $9 billion designated for humanitarian aid to Gaza. This is in response to reports of an imminent famine and a severe humanitarian crisis in the region, as outlined by the State Department.
Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the resignation of Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate, following what has been described as intelligence failures leading up to the Hamas attack on October 7. And thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to call for a new election to replace Netanyahu and a deal with Hamas to release the hostages. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are returned.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile with the war, now in its seventh month, contributing to regional unrest and involving significant military exchanges with Iran. The IDF has reported the deaths of 260 soldiers since the military operation in Gaza began, with tensions further escalating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, marked by violent confrontations and casualties on both sides.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 34,097 Palestinians and injuries to another 76,980, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry’s tally does not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants, and it is believed that the actual number of casualties is higher due to many bodies being inaccessible under rubble or in restricted areas. The military has claimed to have eliminated more than 13,000 Hamas militants, but has not offered proof.
Relevant articles:
– Israeli strikes on southern Gaza city of Rafah kill 22, mostly children, as US advances aid package, apnews.com, 04/23/2024
– Gaza live updates: Israeli intelligence chief resigns over Oct. 7, ABC News, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 19:41:15 GMT
– Israeli strikes on southern Gaza city of Rafah kill 22, including 18 children, NPR, Sun, 21 Apr 2024 07:52:52 GMT
– IDF intelligence chief resigns, The Washington Post, Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:58:42 GMT