Gaza Strip, November 14, 2023: They have stepped up their attack in Gaza and are now moving deep into the northern and southern borders of the territory. In the north, they have re-entered the Jabalia refugee camp. At the same time, in the south, they have advanced into Rafah, cutting off the main north-south road and closing a vital aid crossing with Egypt.
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Intense Fighting in Jabalia and Rafah:
- Jabalia: Israeli forces have moved into Jabalia. In this densely populated refugee camp, they claim to have dismantled Hamas infrastructure months ago. Residents are fleeing the area, carrying their belongings amidst rubble-strewn streets. Tank shells have landed in the center of the camp, and health officials report recovering 20 bodies from overnight airstrikes.
- Rafah: Israeli troops and tanks have entered Rafah, a city bordering Egypt, cutting off the main Salahuddin road and intensifying aerial and ground bombardments. Residents are leaving the city and seeking refuge in open spaces like Al-Mawasi, a small coastal strip that Israel has designated as a humanitarian zone. However, aid agencies warn that this area is not equipped to handle the influx of displaced people.
Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis:
- The Palestinian death toll in the war has surpassed 35,000, with 57 killed in the past 24 hours. The majority of casualties are civilians.
- The closure of the Rafah crossing has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, and there is a critical shortage of food, water, medicine, and fuel.
- The United Nations has appealed for international pressure to reopen the Rafah crossing and allow essential supplies.
U.S.-Israel Rift over Rafah Assault:
- The assault on Rafah has caused a significant rift between Israel and its ally, the United States. The U.S. has paused some weapons deliveries to Israel and expressed concerns about civilian protection in Rafah.
- President Biden has faced criticism for his support of Israel, with some accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The White House and Israel have denied these accusations.
- Antony Blinken, the secretary of state for the United States, talked to Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s foreign minister, and reiterated that the U.S. does not back significant ground action in Rafah.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad Respond:
- Hamas and the armed wing of Islamic Jihad have vowed to continue fighting Israeli forces. They claim to be engaged in gun battles with Israeli troops in Rafah and Jabalia.
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad have also fired mortar bombs against Israeli forces massing near the Rafah crossing.
Protests in Israel:
- Israeli protesters have blocked aid trucks headed for Gaza, expressing their opposition to the ongoing offensive.
