Palestinian Resistance Deals Blows to Israeli Forces as Red Cross Describes Gaza as ‘Hell on Earth’
Hamas fighters reportedly kill and injure 19 Israeli soldiers in Rafah as EU and aid groups warn of catastrophic conditions and growing U.S.-Israel policy rift.
Watan-The Palestinian resistance in Gaza has inflicted casualties on the Israeli occupation army, though Israel has not officially confirmed the figures at the time of writing. However, Israeli media has reported the incident.
The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, announced that its fighters engaged Israeli ground forces in Rafah, southern Gaza, and killed or wounded 19 Israeli soldiers.
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli media outlets revealed that military censorship had been imposed on an “unspecified security incident” involving a building collapse and multiple injuries in Gaza. Reports described serious injuries among Israeli troops amid an information blackout.
Gaza Famine Deepens as Global Outcry Grows and U.S.-Israel Rift Widens
Meanwhile, Israel’s devastating war on Gaza continues, with 25 Palestinians killed between dawn and the evening of the previous day.
In addition to the ongoing military assault, Israel’s siege has triggered a famine that is claiming more lives. Eyewitnesses told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that the situation in Gaza is dire, with hunger now a stark reality.
European officials have voiced concern. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said most European states agree the situation in Gaza is “untenable and deteriorating rapidly.”
Doctors Without Borders condemned the lack of accountability for Israeli war crimes as “shocking,” while the ICRC’s Gaza representative Hisham Mhanna described the humanitarian situation as “hell on earth.”
The foreign ministers of Norway and Iceland also stated that Israel’s plans to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza amount to unlawful forced displacement.
At the same time, a U.S.-Israel divergence appears to be emerging over Gaza policy. Israeli Channel 12 reported that a U.S. official told families of captives that continued military pressure endangers their loved ones.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that a U.S. initiative presented to the UN Security Council proposes creating four aid distribution centers to serve 1.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.
Netanyahu Vows Solo Defense as Trump Considers Independent Gaza Strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded Wednesday by declaring, “Israel will defend itself by itself.” In a video posted to social media, he added, “If our American friends join us, all the better. If not, we will still defend ourselves alone.”
Diplomatic sources told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff briefed the Security Council on plans to work with Israel to set up food distribution centers in Gaza.
In response to these plans, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said the organization “will not participate in any distribution process that does not meet required standards.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said the government should make it clear to President Trump that aid to Gaza “won’t help achieve victory.”
Sources close to Trump revealed he is “disappointed” with Netanyahu and intends to take “independent steps” in the Middle East without waiting for him, according to Hebrew media.
