Israeli military presence in Rafah; request for an accord

Conflict in the Middle East region - Israeli military sent to Rafah amidst calls for a truce.

Despite facing criticism from the international community, the Israeli military carries on with its operations in the city of Rafah. The military claims to have discovered a large number of weapons, tunnels, and rockets in the town located in the southern region of Gaza. According to the military officials, the operations are being conducted based on intelligence and with precision.

Furthermore, clashes persist in central Gaza, where, as reported by the military, over two days, several Palestinians have been killed. The army labels them as terrorists.

In the last few days, a number of key Hamas members have been reported dead in Gaza. According to official statements, one of them was reportedly involved in the planning of terrorist attacks in Israel and the West Bank. However, these claims cannot be verified independently at this time.

Efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict in Gaza by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar call for an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the violence. In a joint statement, they urge both sides to finish negotiations based on the principles laid out by US President Joe Biden on Friday.

The proposed agreement reportedly caters to the demands of all involved parties, providing immediate relief to the population in Gaza and bringing an end to the hostages' ordeal. "This deal offers a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and a solution to end the crisis," the statement said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms the intention to achieve the war's objectives, including the complete destruction of Hamas. Though the United States and Biden's speech were not mentioned in Netanyahu's brief announcement, Biden had earlier voiced support for the deal. He warned that an endless war aimed at achieving a vague "total victory" over Hamas, a phrase commonly used by Netanyahu, would only further entrench Israel in Gaza and drive the country into international isolation. Furthermore, it would not result in bringing the hostages home and ensure Israel's security.

Thousands took to the streets in Israel to call for a deal involving the release of the hostages. However, this vibrant protest also targeted the Israeli government. In Tel Aviv, demonstrators demanded for new elections to be held. They maintained that the time for the right-religious coalition had come to an end. Many protesters accused the Israeli leadership of not doing enough to secure the release of the hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted an invitation from the leaders of both parties in the US Congress to deliver a speech before the American parliament. Per a statement from his office, Netanyahu looked forward to presenting the truth of the just Israeli war to the representatives of the American people and the world. The Israeli war was against those who sought to kill Israelis.

Lebanon reported one death and several injuries in Israeli airstrikes. The Lebanese state-run news agency NNA claimed that buildings in Adlun had been destroyed in the attacks. Israel's army said the two individuals injured during an attack on a motorcycle near Madjdal Selm were members of the Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah.

Representatives from Egypt, the United States, and Israel will meet on Sunday to discuss the reopening of the Rafah Crossing in Gaza. However, Egypt is insistent on reopening the crossing only when the Israeli military has completely withdrawn from the area, according to news out of Cairo. Egyptian television claimed the country is also making efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in the Gaza War.

In the past, there had been unconfirmed reports of the Rafah Crossing's reopening. Egyptian officials had dismissed these reports as false. The Rafah Crossing, which is a border checkpoint between Gaza and Egypt, had been closed by the Israeli army after the Palestinians took control of it three weeks prior.

Israel's military declared it had targeted Hezbollah positions in Adlun, Kana, and Hmaileh, responding to earlier incidents where rockets were launched towards the northern part of the country. Other sites associated with the Shiite organization, a group that has ties to Hamas in Gaza and Iran, were also attacked, as they had previously fired rockets at Israel.

Hezbollah confirmed their involvement in attacks on northern Israel by stating they had launched drones at Israeli military targets in Yiftach.

Baerbock contemplates Germany's involvement in a protection force for Gaza

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock suggested the idea of Germany joining a protection force for the Gaza Strip. "Much like our commitment to Ukraine's freedom and peace, I envision this as my mission for the Middle East," she said at a small party gathering in Potsdam. "Should our effort not only focus on reconstruction but also create an international force to ensure peace in the Middle East, this would be our shared objective."

A potential humanitarian ceasefire during the Gaza conflict was mentioned by Baerbock. It would involve an end to Hamas attacks, the release of Israeli captives, and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.