The World Health Organization warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if an Israeli military offensive were to occur in Rafah, Gaza. The densely populated area, home to over a million Palestinians, is already facing a fragile health system. The offensive aims to target militants and free hostages, but details on evacuating civilians remain unclear. WHO s ability to distribute medical aid is hampered by denied requests for supply deliveries. The organization calls for humanitarian corridors to ensure aid can reach those in need.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has eliminated more than 10,000 Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip, including many commanders, since the escalation of the Middle East conflict, but much remains to be done to reach the war s objectives, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said on Tuesday.
Thirty-one of the remaining hostages held by Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip have been pronounced dead, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected on Wednesday Hamas proposals for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of the hostages, saying only military actions could help bring the captives home.
Egypt has received a response from the Palestinian movement Hamas to a truce proposal in the Gaza Strip and will discuss its details with all interested parties, the Egyptian State Information Service said on Tuesday.