2024-01-05 14:33:00
Israel prepares for a new phase of war as displaced Palestinians face dire conditions. This is what you should know
Yoav Gallant speaks in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 18, 2023. Maya Alleruzzo/AP
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday revealed plans for the next phase of the war in Gaza, which includes a new combat focus in the north and a sustained focus on attacking Hamas leaders in the southern territory. of the enclave.
The Defense Minister’s summary of the next phase of the war came as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded their operations in central and southern Gaza, issuing a new set of evacuation instructions to Palestinians, many of whom were already displaced. Several civilians in central Gaza told CNN they were too tired to flee once more and instead wished they might return home to “die with dignity.”
Hundreds of thousands of civilians live in tent camps across southern cities, with little access to basic health services, food, fuel or clean water. Many sleep on the streets with inadequate clothing to keep warm during the winter season.
This is the most recent:
Number of civilian casualties: The “results” in Gaza regarding the protection of civilians “still do not match Israeli intentions,” said US State Department spokesman Matt Miller, adding that it will be a topic of discussion during the next trip of the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. to the region. The United States has strongly supported Israel’s war once morest Hamas, but weeks of constant Israeli attacks on Gaza have exposed divisions between close allies. More than 22,000 people have died in the enclave since October 7, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
New calls for a ceasefire: The PA deputy foreign minister urged Blinken to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his visit. Speaking to CNN, Amal Jadou stated that Israel is “pushing the entire region into confrontation,” which is not “generating peace.”
Border clashes: The head of the UN interim forces in Lebanon met with Lebanese officials to discuss the situation on the border with Israel, while Israeli officials promised to address security concerns in a meeting on the same topic with a US envoy. Joined. Clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah paramilitary group operating in southern Lebanon have further intensified with the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Beirut.
ISIS claims attack on Iran: ISIS has claimed responsibility for two deadly bombings at a military commander’s memorial in southeastern Iran. The accusations emerged in the time between the explosions and the ISIS declaration: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed Israel for the explosions, fueling fears that a broader regional conflict might grow during the war between Israel and Hamas. Israel’s military has not commented on the attack.
UN concerns: UN human rights chief Volker Turk said he was “very disturbed” by comments made this week by two far-right Israeli government ministers pushing for the resettlement of Gazan civilians out of Gaza in “third countries.” “. The Israeli officials’ comments have been criticized by several countries, including the United States.
Hostages in Gaza: The Israeli military now believes that three Israelis missing since the October 7 Hamas attacks are being held hostage in Gaza, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. Israel’s military has said its official count of hostages held in Gaza may fluctuate as it receives the latest intelligence. Israel believes there are now 108 hostages alive in Gaza, who were taken captive during the attack.
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