Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including nine children. The United States is set to approve billions of dollars in additional military aid to Israel, despite international calls for restraint. Israel has been conducting air raids on Rafah, where many people have sought refuge from the ongoing conflict. The House of Representatives has approved a $26 billion aid package, which includes humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
The strikes in Rafah killed a man, his wife, and their 3-year-old child, with the woman being pregnant. The doctors were able to save the baby. Another strike killed eight children and two women from the same family. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians and has caused massive devastation in Gaza’s largest cities. Around 80% of the population has fled their homes, and the territory is facing the threat of famine.
The war between Israel and Hamas has escalated tensions in the region, with Israel and the U.S. facing off against Iran and allied groups. The conflict, now in its seventh month, has raised fears of all-out war between the longtime foes. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, at least 469 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of the war in Gaza. Most of the casualties have occurred during military raids or in violent protests.
The war in Gaza was triggered by a raid into southern Israel by Hamas and other militants, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of hostages. Thousands of Israelis have called for new elections and a deal with Hamas to release the hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and all the hostages are returned. The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on the Palestinian population, with thousands killed and tens of thousands wounded.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that at least 34,049 Palestinians have been killed and 76,901 wounded in the conflict. The ministry notes that a majority of the casualties are children and women. Israel attributes civilian casualties to Hamas, as militants often operate in residential areas. The military claims to have killed over 13,000 Hamas fighters, although evidence is not provided. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing violence and destruction continuing to impact the region.
