Israel Intensifies Bombing of Rafah; International Efforts Continue for Ceasefire

Israeli forces bombed areas in the border city of Rafah on Thursday, where more than half of Gaza's population has taken refuge. Aid organizations have warned that if Israel carries out its threat of a ground invasion into Rafah, a humanitarian disaster will occur. Rafah is one of the last remaining areas in the Gaza Strip that Israeli forces have not yet entered during their ground operations. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, stated on Wednesday that pressure on Rafah at the Gaza-Egypt border 'intensifies what is currently a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences.' A day earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas's conditions for ending the war in the Palestinian region of Gaza. Netanyahu described Hamas's proposed ceasefire conditions, which include the release of hostages held by Palestinian militant groups, as 'delusional' and stated that Israel would continue the war. He claimed that victory is within reach and that only a few months remain until it is achieved. Israel asserts that it is taking measures to prevent civilian casualties and accuses Hamas militants of hiding among civilians, including in schools and hospitals, claiming that this use of civilian locations results in more civilian deaths. Hamas has denied these accusations. According to Rafah residents, Israeli planes bombed areas in the city on Thursday morning, killing at least 11 people in attacks on two homes. Tanks also shelled some areas in eastern Rafah, increasing residents' fears of an imminent ground assault. Despite Israel's rejection of Hamas's proposal, further negotiations are anticipated. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that there is still room for maneuver. Blinken, speaking at a press conference in a hotel in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night, did not refer to the specifics of Hamas's proposal but noted that the elements contained conditions that clearly prevented any possibility of progress from the outset. However, he emphasized that he would continue to work towards advancing ceasefire negotiations. Blinken also remarked that civilian casualties remain very high and reiterated that Israel's military operations must prioritize the preservation of civilian lives. A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, arrived in Cairo on Thursday for ceasefire talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Egyptian security sources indicated that this delegation is expected to meet with Abbas Kamel, the head of Egyptian intelligence, and the Egyptian mediation management team regarding Gaza. Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's foreign minister, stated in remarks in the Cypriot capital that Egypt is working with all parties to find a solution to end the conflict and urged the international community to exert more pressure to allow aid to enter Gaza. King Abdullah of Jordan has also initiated a diplomatic mission aimed at ending the war, which includes meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden in Western capitals. Hamas has stated that it will not agree to any agreement that does not include an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of Israel. Israel aims to eradicate Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli army reported on Thursday that it killed over 20 militants in Khan Younis, the main southern city of Gaza, which is currently the site of some of the most intense fighting of the war. During Hamas's terrorist attack on southern Israel on October 7, 1,200 people, including children, women, and the elderly, were killed, and over 240 others were taken hostage. Israel claims that there are still 130 hostages in Gaza, although approximately 100 of them are likely to be alive. In the only ceasefire that lasted a week in November, 110 hostages were released in Gaza, and Israel also released 240 Palestinian prisoners. The Hamas health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 27,840 Palestinians have been killed and over 67,000 injured during the war. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. Source: Reuters and previous reports from Voice of America.