Israeli Strikes Shake Gaza Amid Failed Ceasefire Talks
The intensifying conflict leaves uncertainty over top Hamas commander's fate, piling pressure on both sides to reach a ceasefire.
Published July 16, 2024 - 00:07am
The latest escalation in the Israel-Gaza conflict has led to widespread devastation and heightened tensions as the fate of Hamas's top military commander remains uncertain, and ceasefire negotiations have hit a significant roadblock. The recent Israeli airstrikes, aimed at high-profile Hamas targets, have resulted in substantial casualties and undermined potential peace talks.
Israeli forces targeted Rafa Salameh, the commander of Hamas's Khan Younis Brigade, after weeks of surveillance. The strikes on Salameh's family compound in southern Gaza were strategically delayed in hopes that the senior Hamas leader, Mohammed Deif, would be present. Although the Israeli military confirmed the death of Salameh, it remains unclear whether Deif, one of Israel's most-wanted individuals, was killed during the operation.
Reports suggest that up to 90 people, both civilians and combatants, were killed in the strikes, which took place inside a designated humanitarian zone, raising significant ethical concerns. The New York Times reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the attack after confirming Deif's presence at the compound. Netanyahu stated, His hands are steeped in the blood of many Israelis. The Hamas murderers are dead men, from the first to the last.
The consequences of these strikes were felt deeply in Gaza over the weekend. Renewed fighting was reported in Rafah, where Israeli forces intensified their offensive, blowing up several homes and recovering 10 bodies from eastern parts of the city. Medical officials in Gaza have been overwhelmed, with hospitals struggling to manage the influx of wounded individuals, particularly women and children.
In addition to the attack on Salameh's compound, Israeli forces struck numerous military targets across Gaza, resulting in fierce battles, especially in the Yabna camp in Rafah. The Al-Quds brigade, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad militant group, confirmed ongoing fierce engagements with Israeli forces. Despite the violence, Hamas officials maintain that Deif is still alive and actively overseeing operations.
Saturday's devastating airstrike in the Al-Mawasi camp, one of the deadliest to date, has further complicated ceasefire negotiations. This attack, which took place in a zone previously declared safe by the Israeli military, resulted in more than 90 fatalities. The strike's impact on the already fragile ceasefire talks, mediated by the US and Arab nations, remains to be seen.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Israeli military offensive has claimed the lives of at least 38,000 Palestinians since October 7, though the exact breakdown between civilians and combatants is not provided. Israel has reported the loss of 326 soldiers, while estimating that a significant portion of Palestinian casualties are fighters.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration continue to face substantial international pressure, especially from the United States. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently voiced serious concerns about the civilian casualties in Gaza to senior Israeli officials. The rising death toll and humanitarian crisis have fuelled calls for a ceasefire, yet Netanyahu has firmly rejected Hamas's proposed amendments to the ceasefire plan supported by President Joe Biden.
Under Biden's three-phase ceasefire plan, both sides were to initiate a complete ceasefire and release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas's insistence on 29 amendments, all of which have been rejected by Israel, has led to a stalemate. Netanyahu's adviser, Dmitry Gendelman, emphasized that Israel will not tolerate any deviation from the original plan.
The situation is further complicated by the immense challenges of post-war reconstruction in Gaza. A UN assessment released last month revealed the extent of the destruction, with nearly 137,297 buildings damaged. Rebuilding efforts could take up to 15 years and cost between $500 million and $600 million. The reconstruction of Gaza, already teetering under the weight of years of conflict, is projected to be an arduous and costly endeavor.
The ongoing conflict has also had significant ramifications on diplomatic engagements. Israeli officials recently discussed the conflict and potential ceasefire with Blinken, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and post-conflict reconstruction plans for Gaza. As ceasefire efforts remain stalled, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that can bring an end to the escalating violence and humanitarian suffering.
With both sides steadfast in their positions and the humanitarian crisis worsening, the prospect of a lasting peace remains distant. The international community continues to urge restraint and dialogue, but the path to resolution appears fraught with challenges and complexities.