RAFAH – Overnight, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes in various parts of Gaza, as well as targeting two airports in Syria and a mosque in the occupied West Bank that allegedly housed militants. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas is escalating, raising concerns of a broader conflict. Since the start of the war, Israel has been engaging in near-daily exchanges of fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group and facing increased tensions in the occupied West Bank. Israel has been on the verge of launching a ground offensive in Gaza and has massed tanks and troops at the border, but complications arise due to the presence of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza and the risk of provoking a larger war with Hamas’ allies in Lebanon and Syria. On Saturday, a limited amount of aid was allowed into Gaza from Egypt, but it falls far short of addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in the area. Hospitals are running low on medical supplies and fuel, forcing doctors to perform surgeries without proper equipment. Palestinians in U.N.-run schools and tent camps are running out of food and clean water. The power plant in Gaza has been shut down, causing a blackout and disrupting water and sanitation systems. The United Nations reports an increase in cases of chickenpox, scabies, and diarrhea due to the lack of clean water. The Israeli military has been conducting airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza, denying that they target civilians. Meanwhile, Palestinian militants continue to launch daily rocket attacks, including an attack on Tel Aviv on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his Cabinet to discuss the possibility of a ground invasion. It is expected that Israel will intensify airstrikes in preparation for the next stages of the war. The Israeli government envisions establishing a buffer zone in Gaza to keep Palestinians away from the border. However, a ground assault would likely result in a significant increase in casualties on both sides. In Lebanon, Hezbollah reported the death of six of its fighters and warned of consequences if Israel initiates a ground offensive in Gaza. Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have resulted in dozens of Palestinian deaths. Israel has imposed closures and checkpoints to prevent attacks. The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, is widely unpopular and has faced violent protests. Aid workers are calling for the opening of a round-the-clock aid corridor in Gaza as the humanitarian situation worsens. The United States has expressed its commitment to ensuring access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance for civilians in Gaza. However, hundreds of foreign passport holders gathered at the Rafah crossing were unable to leave after the aid convoy arrived.
Israel Launches Strikes on Gaza, Syria, and West Bank Amid Escalating Conflict with Hamas, Potentially Setting Off Further Conflicts
