Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the army presented its operational plan for a ground offensive into Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost town, where 1.4 million Palestinians seek safety. Concerns over the situation in Rafah, marked by dense tent camps for displaced persons, have prompted global attention, with Israel’s allies urging the protection of civilians in the conflict with Hamas. Additionally, the War Cabinet approved a plan to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza while preventing looting, though specific details were not disclosed. The conflict escalated after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and around 250 hostages. In Gaza, nearly 30,000 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry, while Israel claims to have targeted 10,000 militants, though evidence has not been provided.
The Independent