The United Nations reported that by Monday, approximately 360,000 individuals had evacuated the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant increase in the exodus within a matter of days. The Israel Defense Forces triggered this mass displacement by issuing evacuation orders through text messages and distributing flyers from above to residents residing in the eastern part of the city.
IDF forces have been conducting limited and precise attacks in the southern part of the Palestinian territory, specifically targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure.
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- 1 Pressure mounts on Netanyahu
- 2 Gazans forced to flee again and again
- 3 Displaced mom who lost 6 of her 7 children “still in shock”
The U.S. has consistently cautioned Israel about initiating a significant military ground operation in Rafah, as it is concerned about the potential for extensive casualties. Together with other nations, the White House has intensified its efforts to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to devise a strategy to tackle the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict. Additionally, there is a need to determine a successor for Hamas as Gaza’s governing body for the post-war period.
Pressure mounts on Netanyahu
The Biden administration reiterated over the weekend the importance of Israel having an exit plan for the war. They emphasized that defeating Hamas alone may not be sufficient, as without a viable alternative to govern Gaza, there is a risk of the terrorist organization staging a comeback.
During an interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Blinken expressed concern about the potential consequences of a vacuum in the region. He emphasized that such a vacuum could lead to chaos, anarchy, and the resurgence of Hamas. Blinken made it clear that the United States would not endorse an Israeli military operation in Rafah unless there was a credible plan in place to ensure the safety of civilians.
Israel’s government and its military are currently experiencing visible disagreements. Senior military officials are now openly urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to make a decision regarding the governance of Gaza once Hamas is no longer in power. They stress that failing to determine a suitable replacement could result in Israeli forces becoming trapped in the region.
Many families of Israeli troops share the same concerns. In a recent development, 600 family members of current IDF soldiers expressed their concerns through a letter. They called on Netanyahu’s government to reconsider a Rafah ground assault, citing the potential dangers involved. According to them, such an operation could potentially turn into a death trap for the soldiers involved.
The families, in their letter, cautioned that it is common sense for individuals to comprehend that when repeated announcements and warnings have been made for months regarding the entry into Rafah, there will be those who are actively working to create a hostile environment and pose a threat to the forces stationed there.
The Biden administration has firmly stated that it will not provide weapons for what it deems as an unwise and extensive military operation in Rafah. However, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his determination to proceed with the assault, insisting that there are multiple Hamas battalions currently hiding within the city.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant provided an update on the ongoing war to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a phone call. The update included information about the specific operation carried out in the Rafah area, targeting the remaining Hamas battalions. The statement from Gallant’s office highlighted the importance of sharing this information with the U.S. government.
Gazans forced to flee again and again
Shattered neighborhoods in the southeast corner of Rafah were strangely silent on Monday morning, left deserted following Israel’s warnings of an impending advance.
Hundreds of thousands of individuals who had previously been ordered by Israel to leave the city have once again sought refuge, this time in the western part of Gaza. They have relocated to the coastal region of al-Mawasi, which has been transformed by Israel into a vast camp for those who have been displaced.
Thousands of families are currently exposed to the elements in tents pitched across a barren stretch of coastline, making it far from a safe refuge. Although it may be out of the line of fire for now, the reality is that their vulnerability remains high.
Displaced mom who lost 6 of her 7 children “still in shock”
In a makeshift camp located in Deir al Balah, Jamila Abu Jebara shared her heartbreaking story with CBS News. She recounted the devastating loss of her entire family during an Israeli airstrike that occurred seven months ago. Tragically, her husband and six out of her seven children lost their lives. It was only thanks to the efforts of their neighbors that Jamila and her 10-year-old daughter Dema were rescued from the wreckage of their home.
“I’m still waiting for a cease-fire to pull out my 8-year-old son’s body from under the rubble,” she expressed with a heavy heart.
“I am still in shock,” the now-single mother expressed, explaining that she currently has no plans for the future.
As a mother, it is essential for me to remain resilient for my daughter, Dema, so that I can provide for her and shape her future. Dema is my constant companion, and I prefer not to have her out of my sight. In fact, she even shares my bed at night.
Dema, the daughter, expressed her desire for the war to come to a close during an interview with CBS News.
On Memorial Day, Israel paid tribute to its fallen soldiers and the victims of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, which triggered the ongoing war. This somber occasion united many Israelis in grief and reinforced their shared desire for peace.
During a memorial service, Prime Minister Netanyahu made it clear that he remains resolute in his stance, despite the pressure from numerous families urging him to negotiate a deal for the safe return of approximately 100 Israelis who are believed to be held captive by Hamas or other factions in Gaza.
“We will persevere until we achieve victory,” he declared, committed to fulfilling his mission of “eliminating Hamas.”
Abu Jebara, speaking to CBS News at the camp in Deir al Balah, expressed her deep regret at not being able to shield her six children from the relentless assaults by Israel.
“I wish I had died and they had lived,” she expressed, while making a heartfelt plea on Mother’s Day, as Americans across the nation celebrated the occasion.
To every mother out there, I want you to take a moment and truly understand the lives we lead, the sorrows we endure. As a mother myself, I am just one among many who have experienced the unimaginable loss.
