Israel’s long-expected ground offensive in Gaza is nearing, with tensions escalating in the region. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has warned of a potential catastrophe if Israel strikes the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The Israeli government has confirmed its plans to move ahead with the offensive, with preparations already in place.
In a separate development, Hamas released videos of three Israeli hostages, including one American, who are being held captive. The hostages shared harrowing accounts of their captivity, adding to the already tense situation in the region.
On the diplomatic front, Germany announced plans to resume cooperation with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, following an independent review that debunked Israel’s claims of UNRWA staff involvement in Hamas attacks. Several other countries have also resumed work with the aid agency.
Meanwhile, accusations of mass graves in Gaza have further fueled the conflict, with Israel denying any wrongdoing. The discovery of over 300 bodies in a hospital courtyard has raised concerns, with the UN launching an investigation into the matter.
As the situation continues to escalate, the US has accused Hamas of derailing negotiations and pushing for a wider regional war. The US Senate has passed a $95 billion security aid package, with a portion allocated for Israel and Gaza for missile defense systems and humanitarian relief.
In a surprising move, the head of Israeli military intelligence has resigned over failures related to the recent attacks, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Protests against Israel’s actions have also erupted across American universities, with hundreds of arrests and clashes with police reported.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring the developments and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.