GAZA: Israeli bombardment continued in the Gaza Strip on Thursday as the United States announced the rescheduling of talks with Israel, previously cancelled amidst escalating tensions between the allies. The Israeli military targeted several buildings as Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 62 more deaths during the past day.
Criticism from the United States toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified over the Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza, severe food shortages, and Israeli intentions to expand its ground offensive into Rafah, Gaza’s southern city. Rafah, densely populated with displaced Palestinian civilians, has drawn warnings from world leaders against further military action, fearing exacerbation of the already dire humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s 2.4 million residents.
The United Nations has sounded alarms over the escalating crisis, highlighting the imminent risk of famine in northern Gaza and the collapse of the territory’s health system due to ongoing hostilities and access limitations. Despite a binding UN Security Council resolution passed earlier in the week demanding an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli bombardment has continued unabated.
The rescheduled talks between the United States and Israel come after Netanyahu initially cancelled a delegation’s visit following the US abstention from voting on the UN ceasefire resolution, allowing it to pass. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Israel has agreed to reschedule the meeting specifically dedicated to discussing the situation in Rafah.
Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Qatar
Meanwhile, even without a ground invasion, Rafah remains under constant Israeli bombardment. The al-Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah has been overwhelmed with casualties, with recent airstrikes targeting the area, including the hospital’s emergency ward.
The United Nations has reported intensive exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance group Hamas fighters, with the Israeli military reportedly confining Al-Shifa medical staff and patients to one building. Despite Israeli claims of evacuating Palestinian civilians and setting up alternative medical facilities, concerns exist over access to essential services and aid delivery in the besieged territory.
As talks for a new truce and hostage release deal continue in Qatar, mediated by the US and Egypt, the situation in Gaza remains dangerous, with little progress reported halfway through the holy month of Ramadan. While US criticism of Israeli actions mounts, President Joe Biden has reiterated his stance against cutting US military assistance to Israel.
