THREAD: gaza strip

ISRAELI STRIKES Escalate: Gaza Families Desperate Amid Chaos

09 July 2024 — Heavy Israeli bombardment rocked Gaza City on Tuesday, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee and causing medical facilities to shut down. Israel’s new ground assault aims to combat Hamas militants regrouping in previously cleared areas.

Large parts of Gaza City have been flattened after nine months of fighting, with several hundred thousand Palestinians still in the north. “The fighting has been intense,” said Hakeem Abdel-Bar, who fled to relatives’ homes as Israeli forces advanced.

Families called for ambulances for their wounded or trapped relatives, but first responders couldn’t reach them due to ongoing operations, according to Palestinian Red Crescent spokesperson Nebal Farsakh. “It’s a dangerous zone,” she stated.

Following an evacuation call from Israel on Monday, staff at Al-Ahli and Patients Friends Association Hospital rushed to move patients and shut down. All three Red Crescent medical facilities in Gaza City have closed as well.

ISRAELI STRIKES in Gaza Spark Outrage, Kill 37

29 May 2024 — Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed at least 37 people near Rafah, Gaza Strip, mostly in tents. This follows a deadly fire days earlier in a camp for displaced Palestinians. Witnesses and emergency workers confirmed the casualties.

The tent camp inferno has sparked international outrage, even from Israel’s allies. Spain, Norway, and Ireland recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday. The Israeli military suggested the blaze might have been caused by secondary explosions from militants’ weapons.

Israel’s initial probe into the fire is ongoing. Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Israeli munitions were too small to cause such a fire. Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a "tragic mishap.

The strikes have forced over 1 million people to flee Rafah since May 6th, according to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. Most of these families are now scattered across makeshift camps and war-torn areas in Gaza.;

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE Devastates Gaza: 22 Killed in Humanitarian Zone

26 May 2024 — An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed 22 people in Rafah, Gaza Strip. The attack hit tents for displaced people, causing heavy destruction. The Israeli army claimed it was unaware of any activity in the area.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society warned the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continued. They stated that Israel had designated the location as a “humanitarian area.” Footage from the scene showed significant damage and chaos.

This strike occurred two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah. Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, was briefed on operations in Rafah on Sunday.

Earlier that day, Hamas fired rockets from Gaza reaching Tel Aviv for the first time in months. There were no immediate reports of casualties from this rocket attack, which Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility for.

US AID FINALLY Reaches Gaza Amid Israeli Offensive

17 May 2024 — Trucks carrying vital aid for Gaza crossed a new U.S. pier on Friday, despite Israeli border restrictions and ongoing conflict. This marks the first delivery in an operation that could scale up to 150 truckloads daily, as Israel continues its seven-month offensive against Hamas in Rafah. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed “more than 300 pallets” of aid were handed to the U.N. for distribution, with some already moving into Gaza.

However, the U.S., U.N., and aid groups caution that this floating pier project cannot replace land deliveries needed for sufficient food, water, and fuel supplies in Gaza. Before the war, over 500 truckloads entered daily on average. The operation faces risks from militant attacks and logistical challenges amid a severe fuel shortage caused by Israel’s blockade since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages.

The Israeli offensive has resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza according to local health officials, with hundreds more killed in the West Bank. Aid agencies report dwindling food supplies in southern Gaza while famine grips the north of the territory according to U.S. and U.N sources.;

ISRAEL DEFIES US Warnings, Ramps Up Military Strike in Gaza’s Rafah

12 May 2024 — Israel has escalated its military actions in Rafah, Gaza, despite U.S. cautions. The Israeli military ordered tens of thousands to leave the area immediately. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that the operations targeted and eliminated numerous militants. This aggressive stance persists even amid international concerns about rising civilian casualties and disruptions to humanitarian aid efforts.

Global protests have ignited as Israel alleges Hamas militants are consolidating in northern Gaza following seven months of ongoing conflict. The United Nations warns that intensifying military activities in Rafah might severely impact humanitarian initiatives and increase civilian fatalities. The closure of the Rafah border crossing complicates aid delivery, heightening regional tensions further.

President Joe Biden has explicitly denied supplying offensive weaponry for operations in Rafah, pointing to credible evidence that Israel might be violating international laws designed to protect civilians during conflict situations. On the other hand, Israeli authorities maintain they adhere strictly to these laws and have implemented advanced warning systems to reduce civilian casualties before launching operations

The crisis deepens as over 1.4 million Palestinians find themselves displaced within Rafah’s confines due to recent evacuations moving populations into areas already heavily affected by conflict. Aid organizations are overwhelmed trying to manage under these challenging circumstances.

COLLEGE PROTESTS Intensify: US Campuses Erupt Over Israeli Military Moves in Gaza

29 April 2024 — Protests are growing on U.S. college campuses as graduation nears, with students and faculty upset about Israel’s military actions in Gaza. They are demanding that their universities cut financial ties with Israel. The tension has led to the setup of protest tents and occasional clashes among demonstrators.

The number of arrests has climbed as tensions rise, with about 275 students detained in one day at various institutions including Indiana University and Arizona State University. The total number of arrests linked to these demonstrations has reached nearly 900 after a major police operation at Columbia University earlier this month.

The protests are now focusing on the consequences for those arrested, with increasing calls for amnesty from both students and faculty members. This shift highlights growing concerns over the potential long-term impacts on students’ futures.

In reaction to how these events are being managed, faculty members in several states have shown their disapproval by casting votes of no confidence against university leaders, signaling deepening discontent within the academic community.

ISRAEL’S Military Strikes in Gaza Spark US Alarm: Humanitarian Crisis Looms

27 April 2024 — The U.S. has voiced serious concerns over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah. This area is crucial as it serves as a center for humanitarian aid and provides shelter to over a million displaced individuals. The U.S. is worried that increasing military activities could cut off vital aid and deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Public and private communications have been made by the U.S. with Israel, focusing on the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance. Sullivan, actively engaged in these discussions, has emphasized the need for effective plans to ensure civilian safety and access to essential resources such as food, housing, and medical care.

Sullivan stressed that American decisions will be guided by national interests and values amid this conflict. He confirmed that these principles would consistently influence U.S actions, demonstrating a commitment to both American standards and international humanitarian norms during ongoing tensions in Gaza.

TRAGEDY Strikes Gaza: CHILDREN Among the Dead in Latest Israeli Airstrike

21 April 2024 — An Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, tragically ended the lives of nine people, including six children. This devastating event is part of a seven-month-long offensive by Israel against Hamas. The strike specifically targeted a house in Rafah, a densely populated refuge for many of Gaza’s residents.

Abdel-Fattah Sobhi Radwan and his family were among those who perished. Heartbroken relatives gathered at al-Najjar hospital to mourn their unimaginable loss. Ahmed Barhoum, grieving the deaths of his wife and daughter, voiced his despair over the erosion of human values amid ongoing conflict.

Despite global pleas for moderation from allies including the United States, Israel has hinted at an impending ground assault in Rafah. This area is considered a key base for Hamas militants still active in the region. Prior to this incident, some locals had left their homes following preliminary warnings issued by the Israeli military.

NETANYAHU’S BOLD Blueprint for Gaza: IDF Dominance and Total Demilitarization

23 February 2024 — Netanyahu has recently disclosed his strategic blueprint for Gaza. The plan ensures that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will supervise Gaza’s borders, thereby ensuring an unhindered operation to suppress terrorism within the region.

The strategy also advocates for a comprehensive demilitarization of the Gaza Strip from a Palestinian standpoint, leaving only a civilian police force operational. A proposed kilometer-wide buffer zone within Gaza is also part of the plan, acting as a defensive shield for Israeli border communities that were targeted by Hamas last October.

While Netanyahu’s blueprint does not explicitly exclude a role for the Palestinian Authority (PA) or propose a Palestinian state, it leaves these contentious matters undefined. This strategic ambiguity seems to be designed to balance demands from both the Biden administration and Netanyahu’s right-leaning coalition partners.

ISRAELI RAID on Gaza Hospital: A Harrowing Search for Hostage Remains

16 February 2024 — Israeli forces made a dramatic entry into Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza this past Thursday. This action followed a week of intense siege. The Israeli army stated that they were on the hunt for remains of hostages, believed to be held by Hamas. Tragically, an earlier Israeli strike resulted in one patient’s death and injuries to six others within the hospital.

The raid was initiated after the army instructed thousands of displaced individuals seeking shelter in the hospital to evacuate immediately. This is part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas in the city of Khan Younis. Meanwhile, tensions are heightening as Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group amplify their attacks.

The military reported that it had “credible intelligence” suggesting that Hamas used Nasser Hospital as a holding place for hostages and their remains could potentially still be inside. However, it is important to note that international law strictly prohibits targeting medical facilities unless they are being utilized for military purposes.

As troops meticulously searched through the hospital buildings, over 460 staff members, patients and their relatives were relocated into an older building within the compound that was ill-equipped to handle such numbers. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported severe shortages of food, water and baby formula with six patients left unattended in intensive care.

ISRAELI FORCES Strike: Hostage Intelligence Sparks Daring Hospital Raid

15 February 2024 — Israeli special forces executed a targeted operation at the largest hospital in southern Gaza. The action was prompted by reliable intelligence suggesting that Hamas was using the facility to harbor Israeli hostages. Described as a “limited” operation by IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, it did not necessitate the forceful evacuation of medical staff or patients.

It remains uncertain if any remains were discovered, but Israel has confirmed the apprehension of several Hamas suspects operating within the hospital’s premises. Earlier this week, IDF officially reached out to the director of Nasser Medical Center, demanding an immediate cessation of all Hamas terrorist activities within its walls and insisting on the expulsion of all terrorists present.

The IDF’s statement during this operation disclosed that their intelligence originated from multiple sources including freed hostages. They suggested that not just Nasser Hospital but also Shifa Hospital, Rantisi Hospital, Al Amal Hospital and others across Gaza have been systematically exploited by Hamas as terror bases.

Last month saw a released hostage publicly declare that she along with over two dozen other captives had been held in Nasser Hospital. This raid occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region following recent Israeli airstrikes carried out in Lebanon after a lethal Hezbollah attack.

UN Chief PLEADS for US Aid to Gaza Despite HAMAS Controversy

28 January 2024 — Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called on the United States and other countries to continue funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The UNRWA is a crucial aid organization in Gaza. This plea comes even as Israel accuses several UNRWA employees of participating in a Hamas attack that sparked a war and created deadly instability throughout the Middle East.

President Joe Biden recently reported the first U.S. military casualties in this region since hostilities began, blaming them on drone strikes by Iran-backed militias near Jordan’s border with Syria. In parallel developments, U.S. officials are said to be close to reaching a cease-fire agreement that could halt two months of intense Israeli-Palestinian conflict which has reportedly taken over 26,000 Palestinian lives according to local health authorities.

Guterres cautioned that if funding is not resumed soon, UNRWA may have to cut back aid to more than 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza as early as February due to an escalating humanitarian crisis including potential starvation risks for one-fourth of its population. He stressed that while those implicated in alleged misconduct must face justice, it should not result in punishment for other humanitarian workers or obstruct aid delivery for desperate populations they serve.

Guterres confirmed nine out of twelve accused staff members were immediately dismissed while one was

WHITE HOUSE Pleads: Israel, Restrain Your Gaza Offensive

15 January 2024 — The White House is urging Israel to temper its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. This plea comes as Israeli leaders maintain their resolve towards their operation against Hamas, Gaza’s ruling militant group. The discord between these close allies has become increasingly evident on the 100th day of war.

In response to a Hezbollah missile attack that claimed two Israeli lives, Israeli warplanes have struck back at Lebanon. This recent exchange has stoked fears that the current violence in Gaza could spark a wider conflict across the region.

The war, sparked by an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7th, has led to nearly 24,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction throughout Gaza. It’s believed that roughly 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have been forced out of their homes with a quarter facing potential starvation.

John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council spoke on CBS about ongoing discussions with Israel regarding transitioning to 'low-intensity operations’ within Gaza. Despite this dialogue, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his mission to dismantle Hamas and secure freedom for over 100 hostages still held captive.

GAZA UNDER Fire: Israeli Strike Leaves No Safe Haven, Claims 68 Lives

25 December 2023 — In a recent Israeli assault in central Gaza, health officials report the death toll has reached at least 68. The casualties, including women and children, were hurriedly transported by distraught Palestinians to a nearby hospital. The Israeli military remains silent on the incident.

Ahmad Turokmani mourns the loss of several family members in this attack, including his daughter and grandson. He voiced his despair over the absence of safety in Gaza, stating that no one was spared from this onslaught. Initial reports from the Health Ministry estimated an even higher death toll at 70.

As Christmas Eve fell upon a region scarred by war, Bethlehem called off its holiday festivities while smoke shrouded Gaza. Concurrently, Egypt pursued potential negotiations with Israel for a hostage exchange deal. This relentless conflict has uprooted nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants and taken approximately 20,400 Palestinian lives.

The Maghazi refugee camp situated east of Deir al-Balah bore the brunt of this latest strike’s impact. Preliminary hospital data indicate that among those killed were at least twelve women and seven children. This harrowing event highlights the mounting human toll of this ongoing conflict.

GAZA NIGHTMARE: Mizrahi Unveils Horrifying Hamas Atrocities

20 December 2023 — Mizrahi, a U.S. citizen with Israeli roots, recently spoke at a crowded synagogue in Malibu, California. She recounted the harrowing experience her family faced during the October 7 Hamas attack on Kfar Aza, Israel. Her cousin and his daughter lost their lives while his wife and remaining children were abducted.

The Los Angeles Times confirmed that Mizrahi’s cousin Nadav Goldstein Almog and his daughter Yam were among the many victims in their kibbutz during the assault. Goldstein Almog’s wife Chen and their three children were among over 200 Israelis kidnapped and transported to Gaza.

A doctor who examined several freed hostages last month corroborated Mizrahi’s account to CBS News. He revealed that Hamas employed meticulously orchestrated psychological torture against the captives, including claims that Israel had ceased to exist. The family heard from survivors that they had been relocated to Hamas tunnels towards the end of their captivity where they encountered mistreated female hostages.

Maya and Dvir Rosenfeld managed to survive for 24 hours in their home’s safe room with their infant son during the Kfar Aza onslaught. They believe an open door led Hamas operatives to assume their home had already been targeted, thus escaping capture.

ISRAEL REGRETS Gaza Detainee Treatment: A Shocking Revelation of Military Conduct

13 December 2023 — Israel’s government has conceded its misstep in the treatment and subsequent public display of images showing Palestinian men, stripped to their underwear, after being detained by Israeli military in Gaza. These recently surfaced online photos disclose dozens of disrobed detainees, sparking significant global scrutiny.

On Wednesday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that Israel has recognized its mistake. He relayed Israel’s assurance that such pictures will not be captured or circulated in the future. If detainees are searched, they will promptly receive their clothes back.

Israeli officials defended these actions by explaining that all males of military age found in evacuated zones were held to ensure they weren’t Hamas members. They were disrobed to check for hidden explosive devices — a tactic frequently employed by Hamas during previous conflicts. However, Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assured on MSNBC on Monday that measures are being implemented to avoid such incidents from recurring.

Regev also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify who took and disseminated the contentious photo online. This episode has prompted inquiries about Israel’s detainee treatment and its strategies for handling potential threats from Hamas operatives concealed among civilians.

GAZA CITY Under Siege: Israeli Forces Advance Amid Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Crisis

09 November 2023 — Reports emerged on Wednesday that Israeli ground forces are closing in on Gaza City from various directions. This maneuver has sparked a widespread civilian evacuation, with essential supplies like food and water becoming increasingly scarce. The urban strife between Israel and Hamas is escalating rapidly.

The Israeli military remains reticent about their specific troop movements but promises a decisive response to Hamas’ deadly assault inside Israel on October 7th. Locals report that Israeli forces have penetrated the inner neighborhoods of Gaza City amidst intense bombardment.

Violent confrontations have erupted near Shifa, the largest hospital in the territory, which has become a critical point in this conflict. The Israeli military asserts that Hamas’ primary command center operates from within this hospital complex, accusing high-ranking leaders of using the facility as a protective shield.

Both Hamas and hospital personnel vehemently deny these allegations, suggesting they serve as an excuse for an attack on the medical facility. For Palestinians in Gaza, Shifa symbolizes civilian hardship during this war. The hospital is inundated with injured individuals while struggling with limited electricity and medical supplies amidst hosting tens of thousands of displaced people.

ISRAELI Raid on GAZA and US Strikes on Iran-Linked Sites in Syria: The Tense Standoff Escalates

27 October 2023 — In a sudden move, Israeli forces carried out a brief but intense raid on northern Gaza. The military operation, which took place overnight, was aimed at Hamas fighters and their anti-tank weaponry. This action is seen as groundwork for a possible ground invasion, marking the third such Israeli raid since the conflict erupted.

Meanwhile, responding to drone and missile assaults on U.S. bases and personnel in the region, the U.S. military executed airstrikes early Friday morning. These strikes targeted two locations in eastern Syria associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Pentagon reports.

Arab leaders unitedly called for an immediate cease-fire on Thursday. Their plea aims to alleviate civilian suffering by allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza where residents are grappling with severe shortages of food, water, medicine while UN workers struggle with dwindling fuel supplies for relief missions.

The Health Ministry of Hamas-controlled Gaza reported that over 7,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict — an unverified figure thus far. On Israel’s end, there have been more than 1,400 casualties

GAZA Hospital HORROR: Biden Stands With Israel Amid Rising Tensions

18 October 2023 — In the aftermath of a catastrophic explosion in Gaza City, doctors find themselves performing surgeries on hospital floors. This dire scenario is due to an acute lack of medical supplies. The Israeli military and the Hamas militant group are locked in a blame game for this incident, which has reportedly claimed at least 500 lives according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

U.S. President Joe Biden landed in Israel as tensions continue to escalate. His mission is to stem the tide of conflict that erupted after Hamas militants launched attacks on southern Israeli towns on October 7. Upon setting foot in Israel, Biden publicly sided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that based on his assessment, Israel did not trigger the recent explosion.

Palestinian rocket assaults resumed just before Biden’s arrival following a temporary lull. Despite designating certain areas as “safe zones”, Israeli strikes continued into Wednesday against south Gaza.

During his visit, President Biden intends to meet with first responders and families impacted by the Hamas attack. The situation remains tense as both factions maintain their aggressive actions.