What happened?
- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have started evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, in preparation for a military operation.
- Hamas claimed responsibility for a rocket attack that killed three Israeli soldiers near Rafah, leading to Israeli airstrikes that killed Palestinians.
- Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas stalled in Cairo, with growing pessimism regarding reaching an agreement.
What is Arab media saying:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects international pressure to halt the war in Gaza, vowing to stand alone and declaring that Israel will not stop defending itself. (Arab News, Asharq Al-Awsat)
- Netanyahu’s message criticizing Israel’s military offensive and urging a ceasefire was delivered during Israel’s annual Holocaust memorial day, which he has used to criticize Iran. (Arab News, Asharq Al-Awsat)
What is international media saying:
- Israeli PM Netanyahu opposes key ceasefire planks with Hamas, and views surrendering to Hamas demands as a defeat, vowing to continue fighting until his goals are achieved. (The Independent, Times of India, New York Post)
- Hamas rejected a ceasefire, demanding an end to the blockade of Gaza, the release of prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, while Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to agree to Hamas’s demands and accused them of sabotaging the talks. (The Sun)
- Israel claims that Rafah harbors thousands of Hamas fighters and needs to be taken to achieve victory, and more than a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah, raising concerns about high casualties. (The Straits Times)
- Hamas demands removal of Israeli forces in ceasefire talks, while Israel plans a ground offensive against Hamas militants. (The Independent, Associated Press)
- Israel rejects full withdrawal from Gaza while Hamas is in power, and continued violence is likely as the parties fail to reach an agreement. (The Independent)
What is Israeli media saying“
- The IDF warned residents of Rafah and surrounding areas to evacuate certain neighborhoods and cautioned against approaching the security fence. (Ynet, Behadrei Haredim)
- The IDF expanded the humanitarian zone in Mawasi, Gaza Strip, including field hospitals, tents, supplies, and allowed for increased humanitarian assistance in cooperation with international organizations. (Behadrei Haredim, Ynet)
- Israel is facing a critical decision on whether to proceed with a prisoner swap deal with Hamas or launch a military operation in Rafah, with potential international pressure to prevent IDF entry into Rafah. (The Jerusalem Post)
- Netanyahu stated that during the Holocaust, the Jewish people were defenseless and received no aid from any nation. (Ynet News)
- Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas are uncertain, with talks reported to be “near collapse.” (i24NEWS)
- Hamas leader Sinwar’s decision-making is influenced by historical and ideological factors, and he desires not just the surrender of Israelis but also their acknowledgment of defeat. (The Jerusalem Post)
- Netanyahu addressed international opposition to a military operation in Rafah, ICC arrest warrants, and criticism of the conduct of fighting in Gaza. (Ynet News)
- Humanitarian aid will continue to be delivered to Rafah, utilizing various crossings, and assistance will be provided through other means. (Israel Hayom)
- Israel faces tough decisions after months of fighting and attacks by Iran, including achieving war objectives, returning hostages and fallen soldiers, and addressing Iran. (The Jerusalem Post)
- The US seeks a resolution for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a ceasefire, but Hamas has rejected offers described as “extremely generous” by the US Secretary of State. (i24NEWS)
Sources: - nypost.com
- independent.co.uk
- apnews.com
- ynet.co.il
- jpost.com
- bhol.co.il
- bbc.com
- nytimes.com
- economictimes.indiatimes.com
- haaretz.co.il
- thesun.co.uk
- theguardian.com
- english.aawsat.com
- arabnews.com
- balkans.aljazeera.net
- ynetnews.com
- english.ahram.org.eg
- jpost.com
- sueddeutsche.de
- israelhayom.co.il
- tass.com
- straitstimes.com
- i24news.tv
