Israeli forces intensified airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday, targeting areas near Khan Younis and other locations, as international efforts to broker a ceasefire struggled to gain traction. Palestinian medics reported that at least 18 people were killed in Khan Younis, with additional casualties in Gaza City’s Zeitoun suburb and Rafah near the Egyptian border.
Despite growing calls for a ceasefire, including mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, Hamas expressed scepticism about the likelihood of progress. A Hamas spokesperson stated, “Instead of pursuing further rounds of negotiations or new proposals that would provide cover for the occupation’s aggression, mediators must force Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal based on ideas from US President Joe Biden, which Hamas had accepted.”
The ongoing violence follows the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut, acts that have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict involving Iran and its allies. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly warned US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran is preparing for a large-scale military attack on Israel, escalating concerns of a wider confrontation.
Israel has defended its military actions in Gaza, claiming that its airstrikes targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters. However, the significant civilian death toll, particularly the recent airstrike on a school in Gaza City that killed at least 100 people, has drawn widespread international condemnation. The White House expressed “deep concern” over the rising civilian casualties, and Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israel to avoid harming civilians while defending itself against Hamas.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany called for an immediate ceasefire but notably refrained from naming Israel, despite its ongoing military actions in Gaza. Instead, the statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz focused on Iran and its allies, urging them to avoid actions that could escalate regional tensions further.
The statement expressed deep concern over the heightened tensions in the region and stressed the need for de-escalation and stability. The European leaders commended the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the US in their ongoing negotiations to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages, a plan based on proposals from US President Joe Biden that Hamas had already accepted but was refused by Israel.
“We endorse the joint statement of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, President Sisi, and President Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations. We agree that there can be no further delay,” the statement read. However, the leaders focused their warnings on Iran and its allies, stating, “They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability.”
The statement reiterated the need for an “urgent and unfettered” delivery of aid to the people of Gaza but stopped short of condemning Israel’s role in the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel has issued new evacuation orders for parts of southern Gaza, including areas previously designated as humanitarian zones, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as the war continues.
