Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa News
Published on 2024-02-11 15:11:16
The Israeli military has announced that there has been ongoing fighting in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis in recent weeks, with approximately 100 terrorists being eliminated. Footage released by the Israel Defense Forces shows soldiers entering homes and riding tanks as part of the campaign. The military’s 4-month-long operation has resulted in the destruction of schools, hospitals, cemeteries, mosques, churches, and archaeological sites, leaving rare areas intact, particularly in northern Gaza. The conflict has also resulted in the deaths of 27,000 Palestinians, with heavy fighting still taking place in central Gaza and Khan Younis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated plans to expand the military operation further south to Rafah, which could have a significant impact on the delivery of lifesaving supplies to civilians trapped in the densely populated area.
There are concerns that a ground operation in Rafah could lead to the suspension of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, as Egyptian sources have indicated that such action would threaten the country’s commitment to the Camp David Accords. The threat to suspend the Accords, which have been a cornerstone of regional stability for nearly half a century, came after Netanyahu stated that sending troops into Rafah was necessary to defeat the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
As the war continues, there is a growing number of Israeli protestors calling for the government to reach a deal with Hamas. However, a small group of hostage families is pushing a different message, urging the army to first finish the job of defeating the militant group, even if it delays the return of their loved ones. These families argue that the potential release of large numbers of Palestinian militants as part of a hostage deal would endanger the country in the future.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Hamas’s armed wing claims that Israeli strikes over the past three days have resulted in the deaths of two hostages being held by the group in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with the Israeli military continuing its operations and plans for further expansion. The potential impact on the peace treaty with Egypt adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, as the international community closely monitors developments in the region. The ongoing loss of life and destruction of infrastructure underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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