THREAD: israels military offensive in rafah defies

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.

UN COURT DEMANDS Israel Halt Gaza Offensive

25 May 2024 — The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to stop its military actions in Rafah, Gaza. This decision increases pressure on Israel, which already faces international condemnation. Norway, Ireland, and Spain recently recognized a Palestinian state.

The Biden administration is caught between supporting Israel and opposing a major offensive in Rafah. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that Israel’s actions have been targeted and limited so far. However, he acknowledged the situation could change rapidly.

A State Department official confirmed that the operation has not yet reached the densest areas of Rafah. The U.S. continues to provide military and political support to Israel while urging caution against escalating the conflict further into densely populated regions of Gaza.

ISRAEL DEFENDS Citizens: Destroys Hamas Rocket Launchers

22 May 2024 — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the destruction of multi-barrel rocket launchers in Rafah. These launchers were aimed at Israeli territory and posed a significant threat. The IDF located and neutralized the sites along the Philadelphi Corridor.

The operation underscores Israel’s need to control Rafah to eliminate Hamas battalions and secure the border. Rockets from Rafah have previously targeted the Keren Shalom crossing, a vital entry point for humanitarian aid between Israel and Gaza.

The IDF remains committed to targeting terror threats in Rafah to protect Israeli citizens. “We will continue our operations against terror targets,” stated an IDF spokesperson on Twitter.

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.

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.

ISRAELI HOSTAGES & Biden’s Diplomatic Disaster: The Shocking Truth Unveiled

29 March 2024 — 134 Israeli hostages are reportedly held in Rafah, leading Israel to ponder negotiations for their freedom. This situation arises despite President Joe Biden’s public caution against Israel entering Rafah. He voiced concerns for Palestinian civilians taking shelter there. Intriguingly, it appears that the welfare of these civilians falls on Israel, not Hamas — the faction that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades and sparked the war on October 7.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu speculated in mid-February that the war would end within 'weeks’ once an operation in Rafah started. However, persistent hesitation has worsened conditions in Gaza. On Monday, Biden seemingly made Israel’s decision easier by siding with Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council.

Biden approved a resolution separating a ceasefire from a hostage release agreement. As a result, Hamas returned to its original demand of ending the war before freeing any more hostages. Many view this action by Biden as a significant misstep and an abandonment of Israel.

Some theorize that this disagreement may secretly satisfy the Biden administration as it allows them to publicly resist an Israeli operation while discreetly maintaining arms supply. If true, this would let them profit from an Israeli triumph over Iran-backed Hamas without diplomatic or political repercussions.

NETANYAHU DEFIES UN Cease-Fire: Vows to Continue Gaza War Amidst Global Tensions

28 March 2024 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized a United Nations Security Council resolution for a cease-fire in Gaza. According to Netanyahu, the resolution, which the United States did not veto, has only served to empower Hamas.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas is now in its sixth month. Both parties have consistently rejected cease-fire efforts, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Israel regarding war conduct. Netanyahu maintains that an expanded ground offensive is necessary to dismantle Hamas and free hostages.

Hamas seeks a lasting cease-fire, Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Gaza, and freedom for Palestinian prisoners before releasing hostages. A recent proposal that didn’t meet these demands was dismissed by Hamas. In response, Netanyahu argued that this rejection demonstrates Hamas’ lack of interest in negotiations and underlines the harm inflicted by the Security Council’s decision.

Israel expresses dissatisfaction with the U.S.“s abstention from voting on a Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire — marking it as the first time since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war began. The vote passed unanimously without U.S.”s involvement.

NETANYAHU DEFIES Global Outrage, Sets Sights on Rafah Invasion

16 March 2024 — Despite international outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to press ahead with plans to invade Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip. This decision comes in the face of protests from the United States and other world powers.

The Israeli Defense Force is slated to lead this operation as part of broader military initiatives in the region. This move will proceed even if there’s a potential cease-fire agreement with Hamas, Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Friday.

Alongside these invasion plans, an Israeli delegation is preparing for a trip to Doha. Their mission? To negotiate for hostage release. But before they can proceed, they need full consensus from the security cabinet.

The announcement has heightened tensions as Palestinians gather for Ramadan prayers at Al-Farouq Mosque ruins in Rafah — a site ravaged by ongoing conflicts between Israel and militant group Hamas.

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.

GAZA OFFENSIVE: Israel’s Grim Milestone and Netanyahu’s Unwavering Stance

21 February 2024 — The ongoing military campaign in Gaza, led by Israel, has resulted in a staggering 29,000 Palestinian casualties since October 7. This grim milestone marks one of the deadliest assaults in recent memory. Despite international outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains unyielding in his stance, pledging to persist until Hamas is completely defeated.

The offensive was initiated as a counterstrike to an attack by Hamas militants on Israeli communities earlier this month. The Israeli military is now planning to advance into Rafah — a town bordering Egypt where more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have sought shelter from the conflict.

Attempts by the United States — Israel’s primary ally — and other nations such as Egypt and Qatar to negotiate a cease-fire and hostage release agreement have hit a roadblock recently. Relations have been further strained with Netanyahu encouraging Qatar to exert pressure on Hamas while insinuating that it financially supports the militant organization.

The conflict has also sparked regular fire exchanges between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. On Monday, Israeli forces launched at least two strikes near Sidon — a major city in southern Lebanon — in retaliation for a drone explosion near Tiberias in northern Israel.

GAZA CONFLICT Intensifies: Netanyahu’s ‘Total Victory’ Pledge Amid Soaring Death Toll

19 February 2024 — The ongoing military offensive in Gaza, led by Israel, has resulted in over 29,000 Palestinian fatalities since October 7, as reported by the local Health Ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains unwavering in his resolve for a “total victory” over Hamas. This follows their assault on Israeli communities earlier this month. Plans are now being made for an advance into Rafah, a southern town bordering Egypt where a significant portion of Gaza’s populace has taken shelter.

The United States is persistently collaborating with Egypt and Qatar to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages. However, recent developments have been slow-moving with Netanyahu facing criticism from Qatar after suggesting it exerts pressure on Hamas and implying its financial support for the militant group. The ongoing conflict has also sparked regular exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants.

In response to a drone explosion near Tiberias, Israeli forces executed at least two strikes near Sidon — a major city in southern Lebanon.

As the conflict escalates further in Gaza, civilian casualties continue to rise alarmingly with women and children making up two-thirds of the total

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.

ISRAEL’S Warfare Crisis: Growing Pleas for Peace Amid Rising Civilian Deaths and Humanitarian Despair

18 December 2023 — Israel is grappling with escalating global demands for a ceasefire. This comes in the wake of a string of fatal shootings, including an accidental incident that claimed the lives of three Israeli hostages. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now into its tenth week, has raised serious questions about Israel’s military actions. Despite the U.S.'s crucial military and diplomatic backing, Israel may face increased scrutiny during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s imminent visit.

The brutal war has led to substantial civilian losses with thousands dead and vast areas of northern Gaza reduced to rubble. An estimated 1.9 million Palestinians, constituting nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, have been forced to flee southwards within the beleaguered territory. Struggling Palestinians are surviving on scant humanitarian aid while some are seen crowding around aid trucks at Egypt’s Rafah crossing point.

Even though Israel has permitted direct aid into Gaza for the first time since the war commenced, relief workers argue it falls short considering the magnitude of destruction. The U.N agency responsible for Palestinian refugees estimates over half of Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins due to this conflict.

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ISRAEL’S WAR: Allies Demand Cease-Fire as Civilian Deaths Soar

18 December 2023 — Israel is under increasing pressure from European allies to halt its ongoing 10-week conflict in Gaza. The calls for a cease-fire come in the wake of several shootings, including the unintended killing of three Israeli hostages. These incidents have ignited global unease about Israel’s conduct during the war and sparked protests within its borders. Citizens are urging their government to return to negotiations with Hamas.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is slated for a visit on Monday, adding more weight to the call for Israel to reduce major combat operations. While the U.S. continues to provide vital military and diplomatic support, it has voiced growing concern over civilian casualties resulting from this conflict. The war has led to thousands of civilian deaths and displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population from their homes.

In response, Israel has permitted U.N aid trucks access into Gaza via a second entry point starting Sunday. However, Palestinians desperate for aid swarmed these trucks at the Rafah crossing with Egypt causing some trucks to halt prematurely as supplies were hastily taken away by locals.

The U.N agency responsible for Palestinian refugees estimates that over 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been decimated due to this war,“ reports state, ”Telecom services are slowly coming back online after a four-day blackout which further hindered rescue efforts and aid delivery.

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