As Israel prepares for a potential ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, attempts to broker a ceasefire have been thwarted. Negotiations in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for Thursday, have been postponed until next week, following Israel’s deadline for a possible offensive on Rafah unless Hamas releases remaining hostages by Sunday.
The situation in Rafah is dire, with over a million Palestinians trapped in the area. Many, like Ibitsam, who fled from her home in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, have been forced to return despite the dangers, particularly for pregnant women due to limited access to medical care.
Israeli forces’ recent actions have escalated tensions further. An airstrike on a mosque in Jabalia al-Balad claimed at least five lives, while Israeli forces shot and killed people waiting for aid at the Nabulsi roundabout in Gaza City.
Israel Targets Rafah Ground Invasion (Credits: France 24)
The blockade on Gaza has exacerbated the crisis, leading to starvation and malnutrition deaths, particularly among the elderly, disabled, and children.
The aid system in Gaza is on the verge of collapse, prompting protests from children demanding food and an end to the bombings. Despite international condemnation, Western leaders like British Foreign Secretary David Cameron have expressed concerns but have not taken decisive action to stop the violence.
While some officials suggest the US could prevent Israel from using US weapons in the Rafah offensive, such action is unlikely, as President Biden prioritizes maintaining stability in the region to protect US interests. Regardless of tensions between Biden and Netanyahu, the West is expected to support Israel’s actions.
In the UK, calls for action against Israel and its supporters underscore the urgency of protests, including workplace and student actions and a national demonstration in London, as Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah looms.
