US President Joe Biden revealed on Friday that he has engaged in extensive discussions with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the past few days, emphasizing his support for a temporary ceasefire.
Biden informed the press that he argued for a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of hostages.
Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Friday that Israel is carefully strategizing a military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite increasing global concerns about the well-being of the large number of Palestinians seeking shelter in the area.
Per Reuters, the US President has emphasized the importance of Israel having a well-thought-out plan to safeguard civilians and has called for a shift in focus towards achieving a cease-fire. Egypt has expressed concern that a military operation in Rafah could have a negative impact on the diplomatic ties between the countries. Several other global leaders have expressed similar concerns.
Approximately 1.4 million Palestinians, which is over half of Gaza's population, have gathered in Rafah, with the majority being displaced due to ongoing conflict in the area. A large number of people are currently residing in extensive tent camps.
In their conversation on Thursday, the leaders discussed the issue of moving into the southern part of the Gaza Strip. This was the second time in less than a week that Biden expressed concern to Netanyahu about the safety of the people sheltering there.
In addition, the ongoing hostage negotiations were discussed, with Biden expressing his commitment to tirelessly work towards the release of the hostages. The hostages, who have been held captive by Hamas for 132 days, continue to be a top priority for the White House.
Israeli forces conducted a raid on Thursday at a major hospital in Gaza, causing concern for the safety of numerous patients, medical staff, and displaced Palestinians seeking refuge from the ongoing war.
Amidst increasing international pressure for restraint, Israel has pledged to continue its offensive into Rafah, the only remaining relatively safe area in Gaza. The recent fighting at the hospital adds to the tense situation.
In a recent statement, Biden expressed his concern over the high number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, describing Israel's military response as excessive.
Looming Rafah Invasion
Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has denied South Africa's request for urgent measures to protect Rafah. However, the court has emphasized the importance of Israel's compliance with the measures imposed in a significant genocide case last month.
In a statement, the ICJ emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of the provisional measures outlined in its order of 26 January 2024. The court highlighted the critical situation in Rafah and stressed that no additional provisional measures are required.
The world court emphasized that Israel must continue to fulfill its obligations under the Genocide Convention and the order given, which includes ensuring the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
According to VOA News, Israel maintains that it takes every possible measure to protect civilians and focuses its efforts on targeting Hamas militants who use civilian areas as cover, posing challenges for Israel in avoiding civilian casualties.
In early October, hostilities erupted as Hamas militants, with support from Iran, launched an attack on Israel. Tragically, the violence resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives, predominantly innocent civilians. Additionally, Hamas took 253 individuals hostage, as reported by Israeli authorities.
The air and ground offensive by Israel has caused immense destruction in the densely populated Gaza, resulting in a significant loss of life. Health authorities report that the majority of the casualties, which amount to 28,663 people, were civilians. Additionally, this offensive has led to the displacement of almost all of Gaza's 2 million inhabitants from their homes.
