Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for launching a “defensive war” on the West Bank in the same way that Israel has done in Gaza. The minister wields administrative power over the West Bank.
Israel’s bombing of Rafah’s “safe zone” has killed at least 45 people, causing fires to spread across the tent camp and burning several people alive. Meanwhile, Israel gave the U.S. a new proposal to resume captive exchange talks.
Airstrikes continue across the Gaza Strip as the Israeli ground invasion continues in Jabalia and Rafah, displacing thousands. Meanwhile, the Israeli army launched a wide-ranging invasion of Jenin refugee camp, killing 12 people.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to flee Rafah as Israel’s invasion advances further into the city. Meanwhile, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan seeks arrest warrants for Israeli and Palestinian leaders over the Gaza genocide and October 7.
Israel’s war minister declares opposition to Israeli military control of Gaza as Netanyahu insists on continuing the war. Meanwhile, the Israeli army killed five Palestinians in the West Bank, including a student on Nakba day.
The Israeli army has intensified its renewed assault on Jabalia refugee camp and the Zeitoun area in northern Gaza as resistance factions regroup there, months after the Israeli army said it had “defeated Hamas” in the north.
Ceasefire talks are “paused” as delegations leave Cairo. Sources say Israel wants a full invasion of Rafah despite U.S. opposition, while Hamas reiterates its acceptance of the latest deal. Meanwhile, a new mass grave has been unearthed at al-Shifa.
Israeli strikes intensify on Rafah as Egypt closes the Rafah crossing from its side. Meanwhile, CIA Director Burns prolonged his stay in Qatar to try to avoid a “collapse” of negotiations.
Blinken says Hamas “must” respond to Israel’s proposal as the U.S. begins building a sea pier. Meanwhile, the UN says that 5% of Gaza’s population has been killed or wounded since the beginning of Israel’s assault in October.
Palestinians brace for an invasion in Rafah as Hamas is expected to respond to a new ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza, and Gaza City’s municipality says that half of its water wells have been destroyed.