Gaza Strip: US President Joe Biden Urges Israel to Protect Palestinian Civilians
In a recent call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden reiterated his warning against proceeding with military action in Rafah without a credible plan to protect Palestinian civilians. This is the second time in less than a week that Biden has cautioned Netanyahu about moving into the southern part of the Gaza Strip without ensuring the safety of the approximately 1 million people seeking shelter there.
The leaders also discussed ongoing hostage negotiations, with Biden pledging to continue working tirelessly to secure the release of the hostages who have been held captive by Hamas for 132 days. Earlier this month, Biden expressed grave concern over the civilian death toll in the Gaza Strip and criticized Israel’s military response, describing it as “over the top.”
The war in the region began on October 7 when Iran-backed Hamas militants infiltrated Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 253 hostages. Since then, Israel’s air and ground offensive has devastated the densely populated Gaza Strip, claiming the lives of 28,663 people, primarily civilians, and displacing over 2 million inhabitants from their homes.
Israel’s Incursion into Nasser Hospital in Gaza
Israel recently sent troops into Nasser Hospital in war-torn Gaza, suspecting that hostages may have been held there. The raid followed intense fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas militants around the hospital, which is one of the few remaining operational medical facilities in southern Gaza. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that there was credible intelligence from multiple sources, including released hostages, indicating that Hamas held hostages at Nasser Hospital. The health ministry in Gaza reported that thousands of people, including patients seeking refuge in the hospital, were forced to leave in recent days. The situation at Nasser Hospital has been described as catastrophic, with staff unable to move bodies to the morgue due to the risks involved.
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported a chaotic situation in the hospital after it was shelled, resulting in multiple casualties. MSF stated that their medical staff had to flee the hospital, leaving patients behind. The World Health Organization has emphasized the critical role of Nasser Hospital for all of Gaza, as only a minority of hospitals in the region are partially operational.
Netanyahu’s Push for a “Powerful” Operation in Rafah
Despite international concerns, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on pushing ahead with a “powerful” operation in the overcrowded city of Rafah for “complete victory.” Hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter in Rafah, creating a sprawling makeshift encampment near the Egyptian border. The city now hosts more than half of Gaza’s population, with displaced individuals crammed into less than 20 percent of the territory.
President Biden reiterated his warning to Netanyahu against launching an operation in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. The United Kingdom, along with Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, also cautioned Israel against a ground offensive in the city. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed deep concern about the potential humanitarian impact of a military incursion into Rafah.
The situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire, with innocent civilians caught in the crossfire between Hamas militants and Israeli forces. International pressure continues to mount on Israel to prioritize the safety and well-being of Palestinian civilians. As the conflict persists, it is crucial for all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution that respects human rights and protects innocent lives.