Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press reveal the construction of a new compound of tents near Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential offensive by the Israeli military on the city of Rafah. The Israeli military has been targeting Khan Younis in recent weeks and has announced plans to evacuate civilians from Rafah in anticipation of the offensive.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region have escalated with a failed rocket strike at a U.S.-led coalition base in Syria, the first attack by Iranian-backed militias on a U.S. facility in Iraq or Syria since February. The conflict between Israel and Iran, along with allied militant groups, has raised fears of all-out war in the Middle East.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war, sparked by a raid into southern Israel by Hamas militants, has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, with the majority being children and women. The situation in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, with the territory’s population facing famine and widespread destruction.
In response to the escalating crisis, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $26 billion aid package, including humanitarian assistance for Gaza and support for Israel. The Senate is expected to pass the package soon, with President Joe Biden pledging to sign it immediately.
As tensions continue to rise, Qatar has expressed the need for seriousness in talks between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. The United Nations’ human rights chief has warned against a large-scale Israeli offensive in Rafah, emphasizing the need to protect civilians in the conflict zone.