The Pentagon briefing revealed that the U.S. and the U.K. conducted coalition strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Simultaneously, the Israeli military is considering a push into Rafah in Gaza amidst new strikes from Hezbollah in the north. The potential offensive in Rafah has raised questions about its inevitability.
Rafah, a town on the Egyptian border with over a million Palestinian refugees, is reportedly harboring Hamas fighters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at the possibility of Israeli ground forces entering Rafah for a decisive victory over Hamas. Despite international pressure against such a move, Netanyahu emphasized the need for an offensive, proposing a plan to evacuate civilians beforehand.
Regarding the possibility of American intervention, Netanyahu affirmed Israel's autonomy in decision-making while emphasizing the priority of civilian safety. The strategy of evacuating civilians aligns with the U.S.'s stance on protecting non-combatants.
Meanwhile, efforts for a ceasefire are underway, with a hostage-prisoner exchange deal negotiated in Paris and awaiting Hamas's response in Doha. Tensions along the Lebanese border escalated as Israel conducted airstrikes in response to Hezbollah's actions, including the downing of an Israeli drone and rocket attacks on Israeli communities.
In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority's prime minister and government tendered their resignations, leaving uncertainty about President Mahmoud Abbas's acceptance of the resignations.
