Israeli PM Approves Plans for Attack on Rafah Amid Rising Palestinian Death Toll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved plans to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which shelters over one million displaced people. The decision was made during a war cabinet meeting; no timeline was provided. US President Joe Biden called it a 'red line' if civilian protections are not assured. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the attack and urged a humanitarian truce. Hamas proposed a 40-day ceasefire and hostage release. Netanyahu dismissed the demands as unrealistic but agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Qatar. The White House considered the proposal within bounds of recent discussions. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accused Netanyahu of genocide. Since October 7, at least 31,341 Palestinians have been killed. A UNICEF report found 31% of children under two in northern Gaza suffer acute malnutrition. A Spanish ship began unloading food via a maritime corridor. Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians awaiting aid at the Kuwait roundabout, wounding over 150. A previous incident on February 29 killed 118.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved plans to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which shelters over one million displaced people. The decision was made during a war cabinet meeting; no timeline was provided. US President Joe Biden called it a 'red line' if civilian protections are not assured. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the attack and urged a humanitarian truce. Hamas proposed a 40-day ceasefire and hostage release. Netanyahu dismissed the demands as unrealistic but agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Qatar. The White House considered the proposal within bounds of recent discussions. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accused Netanyahu of genocide. Since October 7, at least 31,341 Palestinians have been killed. A UNICEF report found 31% of children under two in northern Gaza suffer acute malnutrition. A Spanish ship began unloading food via a maritime corridor. Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians awaiting aid at the Kuwait roundabout, wounding over 150. A previous incident on February 29 killed 118.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved plans to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which shelters over one million displaced people. The decision was made during a war cabinet meeting; no timeline was provided. US President Joe Biden called it a 'red line' if civilian protections are not assured. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the attack and urged a humanitarian truce. Hamas proposed a 40-day ceasefire and hostage release. Netanyahu dismissed the demands as unrealistic but agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Qatar. The White House considered the proposal within bounds of recent discussions. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accused Netanyahu of genocide. Since October 7, at least 31,341 Palestinians have been killed. A UNICEF report found 31% of children under two in northern Gaza suffer acute malnutrition. A Spanish ship began unloading food via a maritime corridor. Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians awaiting aid at the Kuwait roundabout, wounding over 150. A previous incident on February 29 killed 118.

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