According to a report from Al Jazeera, Israeli raids took place in two areas in the central part of the Gaza Strip. This follows concerns expressed by Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (Unrwa), about a potential large-scale military operation in Rafah. Lazzarini emphasized the high number of displaced people already concentrated in the south, stating that an offensive in Rafah would endanger thousands more lives. He called on the international community to prevent such an operation and explore alternative solutions.
Meanwhile, an Iranian analyst has warned that Israel’s planned attack on Rafah could escalate into a regional war, inciting public opinion in Arab countries against their leaders. The analyst explained that Israel aims to occupy Gaza and change its social, economic, and political structures to align with Israeli interests. Calls for Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza have been growing internationally, as the situation becomes increasingly concerning.
In response to the escalating tensions, thousands of protesters in Tel Aviv demanded the release of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip and called for early elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Clashes broke out between protesters and police, resulting in some arrests. The hostages themselves, in a video released by Hamas, urged their families to continue protesting for a peaceful resolution. The protesters expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the situation and the ongoing conflict.
As tensions continue to rise and violence persists in Gaza, concerns about further casualties remain high among international leaders who are calling for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and instability in the region
