22 killed as Israel strikes Rafah; protesters demand Netanyahu's replacement
At least 22 Palestinians, including 18 children, were killed in an Israeli strike on Rafah overnight, health officials said on Sunday. The strikes came as the United States (US) prepares to approve an additional military aid package for the Jewish nation on Tuesday. Notably, as the Israel-Hamas war continues for the seventh month, Rafah has become the last remaining haven for over half of Gaza's 2.3 million population. Back in Israel, protests have erupted with people calling for fresh elections.
18 children killed in IDF's aerial strikes
The initial Israeli strike in Rafah claimed the lives of a man, his pregnant wife, and their 3-year-old child, medical professionals at Kuwaiti Hospital which received their bodies said. They were somehow able to save the unborn child. A subsequent strike led to the death of 17 children and two women from one family. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 34,000 Palestinian fatalities, with women and children constituting at least two-thirds of this number.
Israelis demand Netanyahu's replacement as war continues
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to escalate political and military pressure on Hamas. "In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon," stated Netanyahu. Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis took to streets, demanding a new government that could negotiate better with Hamas terrorists and bring the hostages back.
US prepares aid package amidst Gaza's humanitarian crisis
The US House of Representatives has approved a $26 billion aid package for Israel, which includes an estimated $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza. This decision comes as experts warn that Gaza is on the brink of famine. The US Senate could approve the package as early as Tuesday, with President Joe Biden promising immediate signing. This move is seen as a response to the escalating conflict that has forced about 80% of Gaza's residents to seek shelter elsewhere within the coastal region.
469 killed in West Bank since October 7 attacks
The seven-month-long conflict has sparked regional instability involving Israel, the US, Iran, and various militant groups across the Middle East. Recent direct fire exchanges between Israel and Iran have heightened concerns of a full-scale war. The situation has also deteriorated in West Bank, with Israeli forces killing two Palestinians near the southern West Bank town of Hebron early Sunday. Separetely, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conducted two-day raids, starting Friday, on Nur Shams Camp, killing 14 Palestinians.
