Gaza Crisis: Hamas Warns of Israeli Offensive
Amid escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, Hamas issued a stark warning on Saturday regarding a potential Israeli offensive on the city of Rafah.
The militant group cautioned that such action could result in "tens of thousands of dead and wounded," citing concerns for the civilian population. Reports from France Presse and Agerpres indicated renewed Israeli strikes on the Rafah sector, home to over 1.3 million Palestinians, predominantly civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, earlier in the week, had instructed the military to prepare for an offensive targeting Rafah. The directive included plans for the evacuation of civilians and the dismantling of Hamas presence in the city. Hamas, in response, condemned the Israeli plans, attributing potential casualties to what it termed as "catastrophic" consequences.
The Health Ministry of the Palestinian Islamist movement reported 110 deaths, with 25 casualties from recent strikes in Rafah. Additionally, clashes were reported at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where hundreds of injured and displaced civilians sought refuge.
The conflict, which was sparked by a Hamas incursion into southern Israel in October, has claimed over 1,160 lives, predominantly civilians. In retaliation, Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organisation. The ensuing military offensive has resulted in a staggering death toll, with the vast majority of casualties being civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with approximately 1.7 million people displaced out of a total population of 2.4 million. The territory remains under siege by Israel, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
As tensions persist and the threat of further violence looms, international efforts to broker a ceasefire and address the root causes of the conflict remain paramount.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
