Gaza City Takeover
Hamas condemned the airstrike on a building in the city’s Rimal neighborhood, saying in a Telegram post that dozens of civilians fell casualty, including fatalities and injured, as the strike targeted a populated building.
Egypt’s remarks, conveyed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, come after the Israeli military announced on Wednesday starting its globally-condemned operation aimed at taking over northern Gaza’s Gaza City and imposing security control over the entire enclave.
Hamas stated that the so-called Gideon’s Chariots II operation “will fail, just as previous military operations have failed.”
Cairo’s calls come as Egypt and Qatar have submitted a joint ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap proposal, accepted by Hamas on Monday, and are awaiting Israel’s official response, expected by the end of the week.
Hamas condemned Israel’s intentions to move forward with a plan for occupying Gaza City and displace scores of people stationed there, describing the move as “a major war crime.”
Organizers estimated that over 100,000 people participated in the rally, according to The Guardian, calling for an immediate halt to the offensive and the safe return of captives still held in Gaza.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the foreign ministers of these nine countries warned that the Israeli plan “will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians.”
Egypt's foreign minister warned against Israel’s continuation of systematic starvation and acts of genocide that fuel conflict, deepen hatred, and spread extremism across the region.
Germany announced a suspension of all arms exports to Israel that could be used in military operations in Gaza until further notice.
The Israeli security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for seizing Gaza City, located in the north of the enclave, and imposing security control over the entire enclave.
