Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo support Gaza cease-fire as Ramadan begins
The Defense Minister warns Hamas not to test Israel’s resolve during Ramadan
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday defended his plan to expand Israel’s military offensive into the southern city of Rafah while his defense minister warned Hamas not to test Israel’s resolve during Ramadan.
Netanyahu’s Response to World Leaders
Netanyahu dismissed the objections of President Joe Biden and other world leaders over invading Rafah, saying he doesn’t want to leave “a quarter of the Hamas terror army in place.”
Netanyahu’s View on Regional Stability
Netanyahu, speaking on Fox News’ Fox and Friends, said Hamas must be defeated completely or the militant group will regroup, regain control of Gaza and repeat the Oct. 7 rampage that killed almost 1,200 people and saw about 250 hostages seized.
Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza
More than 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, on the southern border with Egypt, as Israel storms through Gaza. Biden agrees Hamas must be destroyed but wants to ensure the safe departure of civilians from Rafah. “Before we go in, we agree with that,” Netanyahu said.
Experts’ Opinions and Concerns
Mahjoob Zweiri, a professor at Qatar University, warned that if access restrictions at East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque are tightened during Ramadan and Israelis do not listen to the Americans, the West Bank is likely to become another Gaza in a matter of months.
Developments on the Ground
Israeli troops and security forces continue their efforts to counter-terrorism in the West Bank by arresting wanted individuals associated with Hamas. In addition, several countries, including the U.S., France, and Jordan, have airdropped humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
Efforts to Stop the Conflict
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the beginning of Ramadan did not bring an end to the death and destruction caused by the war in the Gaza Strip. Hamas calls for an end to Israel’s offensive and the withdrawal of all its troops from Gaza, while the U.S. and other nations intensify their efforts to broker a cease-fire.
Israeli Claim of Targeting Hamas’ Leaders
Israeli officials claim to have killed Hamas’ No. 2 military commander, Marwan Issa, in a Saturday airstrike. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggests that the mission has been successful, and Prime Minister Netanyahu announces the deaths of several other high-ranking Hamas leaders.
U.S. and UK Airstrikes in Yemen
The U.S. and British forces have launched airstrikes on Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea corridor. The Houthi rebels claim their attacks to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Fasting and Worship During Ramadan
Despite ongoing conflicts, Muslims all over the world begin a month of fasting and worship during Ramadan. Palestinians perform prayers amid rubble and fear while world leaders continue their efforts to increase humanitarian aid and broker a peace agreement.
Concerns over Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque
Jordan’s Foreign Minister warns that any restrictions imposed by Israel on Muslim worshippers’ access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque could result in an “explosion”.
Explosion near a Ship in Red Sea
An explosion near a ship in the Red Sea raises concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the area. The attack is likely an action by the Yemen-based Houthi rebels.
Conclusion
The conflicts in Gaza continue as Hamas remains determined to resist while Israel intensifies its military offensive. Efforts by the U.S. and other nations to broker a cease-fire are ongoing, and the holy month of Ramadan has brought both fasting and ongoing challenges in the region.
