Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: An Israeli airstrike devastated central Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of 27 lives, predominantly women and children. Simultaneously, clashes with Hamas intensified in the northern regions. The ongoing conflict, now in its eighth month, has exposed divisions among Israeli leaders regarding the governance of Gaza post-war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself under scrutiny from fellow members of his War Cabinet. Benny Gantz, his main political rival, has issued an ultimatum, threatening to withdraw from the government if a comprehensive post-war plan isn’t devised by June 8th. Gantz advocates for an international administration to oversee Gaza after the conflict—a stance opposed by Netanyahu’s far-right allies, who advocate for a complete military occupation and the reestablishment of Jewish settlements in the region.
During a meeting between Netanyahu and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, discussions centered on an ambitious US proposal involving Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel. The proposal seeks Saudi assistance in facilitating Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza, in exchange for a potential path to statehood for Palestinians. Netanyahu remains staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood, advocating instead for sustained Israeli security control over Gaza and collaboration with non-Hamas affiliated Palestinians or the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.
Sullivan emphasized the necessity for Israel to align its military operations with a coherent political strategy. He further proposed measures to ensure increased humanitarian aid flows into Gaza.
In recent weeks, Hamas militants have regrouped in parts of northern Gaza previously heavily bombed during the conflict’s initial stages.
The airstrike in Nuseirat, a densely populated Palestinian refugee camp with roots dating back to the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including 10 women and seven children. Concurrently, a separate strike on a Nuseirat street resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a senior Hamas police officer.
Reports indicate intensified airstrikes and heavy fighting in northern Gaza, an area largely isolated by Israeli forces for months. The World Food Program has warned of a looming famine in this region.
Civil Defense reports reveal strikes targeting residential areas near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, resulting in at least 10 fatalities. Meanwhile, residents of the urban Jabaliya refugee camp report sustained artillery and airstrikes.
Abdel-Kareem Radwan, a local resident, describes the eastern side as a battleground where Israeli fighter jets target anything in motion.
Mahmoud Bassal, a Civil Defense spokesperson, indicates the recovery of over 150 bodies, with a significant portion comprising women and children, since the initiation of Israeli operations in Jabaliya.
Israel launched its offensive following a deadly attack by Hamas militants on October 7th, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250. Mourners gathered for the funeral of one of four hostages recently discovered by Israeli troops in Gaza.
The conflict has exacted a heavy toll, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting at least 35,000 Palestinian casualties, irrespective of combatant status. Approximately 80% of the 2.3 million Palestinian population have been displaced within the territory, often multiple times.
“We need a decent life to live,” expresses Reem Al-Bayed, a displaced resident, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. She emphasizes the lack of basic amenities, such as wells, in makeshift shelters.
Israeli authorities contend that civilian casualties are unintended and attribute the high death toll to Hamas’ presence in densely populated areas.
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Critics of Netanyahu, including Israeli protesters, accuse him of prolonging the conflict to evade accountability for security lapses and corruption allegations. Pressure mounts for early elections, with polls indicating potential success for Gantz, a centrist figure.
Netanyahu maintains that the offensive must continue until Hamas is dismantled, and remaining hostages, along with the remains of previous victims, are returned.
Additionally, Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from the United States, Israel’s closest ally, which has provided military aid and diplomatic support throughout the conflict. However, growing frustration over Israel’s conduct and the humanitarian crisis has strained relations.
President Joe Biden’s administration temporarily halted a shipment of 3,500 bombs, expressing concerns about a potential humanitarian catastrophe resulting from a full-scale invasion of Rafah. Despite this, recent developments indicate the US’s intention to proceed with a $1 billion arms sale following Israel’s limited operation in Rafah.
The Palestinian Crossings Authority reports a halt in humanitarian aid entering through the crucial Rafah border crossing with Egypt since the onset of the military operation nearly two weeks ago.
