Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah early Saturday, as the United Nations raised alarms about the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory. Following three months of intense conflict, the UN has warned that Gaza has become “uninhabitable,” with civilians bearing the brunt of the crisis. The region is facing a looming famine and the spread of diseases.
The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with much of the territory reduced to rubble. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths stated on Friday that the conditions in Gaza are no longer sustainable for human habitation. The UN’s children’s agency has further highlighted the threat to over 1.1 million children in Gaza due to clashes, malnutrition, and inadequate health services.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that Israeli forces are actively engaging in combat throughout the Gaza Strip. The military is also on high alert near the Lebanon border following the killing of a top Hamas commander in Beirut, an act not officially claimed by Israel but attributed to them by a U.S. defense official.
The conflict in Gaza, which has escalated since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties. According to official Israeli figures and an AFP tally, around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, have died due to the Hamas attack, and approximately 250 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel’s bombardment and ground invasion have led to the deaths of at least 22,600 people, mostly women and children, as per the Gaza health ministry.
Top Western diplomats, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell, are engaged in diplomatic efforts to alleviate the crisis. Blinken is currently in Turkey and plans to visit several Arab states, Israel, and the occupied West Bank. His agenda includes discussing substantial increases in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Similarly, Borrell’s visit to Lebanon aims to address the situation in and around Gaza, including tensions with Israel.
The ongoing war in Gaza and the recent escalation of cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah have raised concerns about a broader conflict in the region. The killing of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri in Beirut and Hezbollah’s vow to respond have heightened these fears. In response, Israel’s military has launched new strikes against Hezbollah targets near the border.
