Gaza (Washington Insider Magazine)— The Israeli army increased its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing at least 31 Palestinians, according to medical sources. This escalation coincides with the highly anticipated visit of US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who is scheduled to discuss the current crisis.
Conflict Background and Current Clashes
Sullivan’s visit comes eight months into Israel’s conflict with the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, following an attack on southern Israel on October 7, which prompted Israel’s vow to we Hamas. In the northern Gaza Strip, hostilities have resumed in Jabaliya, where Hamas has reportedly regained territory.
According to Noticia, in this region, the Al-Ahli Arab hospital reported three fatalities due to an Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced individuals. Witnesses noted that explosions and fighting persisted throughout the night after the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of neighborhoods launching rockets into Israel.
Southern Gaza Hostilities
Hostilities also continue in southern Gaza, particularly in Rafah. Israeli troops entered the area on May 7, aiming for a significant offensive. The UN reports that around 800,000 Palestinians were forced to flee Rafah towards Khan Younis after Israel ordered an evacuation on May 6. The international community expresses concern for Rafah’s civilian population, with 1.4 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents affected.
Central Gaza and Civilian Impact
In the central Gaza Strip, a bombing struck a family home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, resulting in 30 deaths and 20 injuries, as confirmed by Gaza civil defense agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal. Rescue teams recovered injured individuals, including children, from the rubble.
Despite Israel’s earlier announcement of neutralizing Hamas in northern Gaza, the Islamist group has regained ground in Jabaliya, prompting renewed Israeli military operations.
Local Testimonies and Israeli Offensive in Rafah
Abu Nabil, a resident of Jabaliya, expressed distress over the civilian casualties, emphasizing the innocent lives lost, particularly children. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has intensified operations in Rafah to eliminate remaining Hamas battalions.
Conflict Origins and Hostage Crisis
The conflict reignited on October 7 when Hamas commandos attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 1,170 deaths, predominantly civilians. More than 250 people were captured, with 125 remaining hostages in Gaza, 37 of whom are believed to have died.
To date, the Gaza Ministry of Health reports 35,386 Palestinian deaths, mainly civilians, due to Israel’s retaliatory offensive. The UN warns of a severe famine threat to Gaza’s population.
US Involvement and Israeli Political Divisions
The United States, a key ally of Israel, opposes the Rafah offensive and has announced Jake Sullivan’s visit. His arrival comes amid significant political divisions within Israel. Israeli Minister Benny Gantz has threatened resignation unless Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approves a post-war plan for Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has also urged Netanyahu to prepare an alternative governance plan for Gaza.
Internal Israeli Protests and Stalled Negotiations
Protests continue in Tel Aviv, with demonstrators demanding the return of hostages. Negotiations for a truce in exchange for hostage release and increased humanitarian aid into Gaza are stalled. The entry of aid remains severely restricted since Israel closed the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on May 7, despite the US setting up a temporary floating dock on Gaza’s coast. The UN and NGOs stress that only opening border crossings can ensure large-scale aid delivery.