On Thursday, Israel carried out airstrikes on Gaza while expressing readiness to restart halted negotiations with Hamas concerning a ceasefire and the release of hostages, aiming to pause the conflict ongoing since October 7.
Amid rising global calls for a ceasefire, three European nations declared on Wednesday their recognition of a Palestinian state, increasing pressure on Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Earlier in the week, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. Israel vehemently opposed these actions, expressing “disgust” at the ICC’s decision and condemning the recognition of Palestine as a “reward for terrorism.”
Domestically, pressure mounted as supporters of hostages held in war-ravaged Gaza protested outside Netanyahu’s office, fervently calling for their release.
A newly released video depicted five Israeli female soldiers, bound and some visibly injured, captured by Palestinian militants during the attack more than seven months ago. The previous round of truce talks, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, ended shortly after Israel initiated its assault on Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, earlier this month.
Despite global opposition, including from its key ally, the United States, Israel proceeded with the attack on Rafah, the last Gaza city yet to face a major ground offensive. Washington raised concerns about the safety of 1.4 million Palestinians trapped in overcrowded tent cities and shelters in the area.
Since then, Israel has ordered mass evacuations from Rafah, with the UN reporting that over 800,000 people have fled.
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