Escalation in Israel-Gaza Crisis: US Calls for Humanitarian Pause Amid Airstrikes

Today’s developments in the ongoing Israel-Gaza crisis include reports of at least 74 civilian casualties in Palestine due to Israeli airstrikes in Rafah, according to Palestine TV. The death toll has risen from an earlier count of 67. US officials clarified that Israel’s actions in Rafah do not signify a full-scale offensive, emphasizing support for an “extended humanitarian pause” but stopping short of calling for an official ceasefire in the conflict with Hamas.

The White House urged Israel to safeguard the over 1 million civilians in Rafah during airstrikes, emphasizing the necessity of a credible plan for their protection before any planned invasion. Despite the escalation, the US clarified that it would not threaten to withhold funding or military assistance from Israel in response to the bombing of Rafah.

In Rafah, Hamas reported that three of the eight Israeli hostages injured in the airstrikes have succumbed to their injuries. The group has postponed releasing the names of the deceased pending further information on the remaining wounded.

The situation remains tense, with international attention focused on the need for de-escalation and humanitarian measures amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The US continues to advocate for a pause in hostilities to ensure the safety of civilians in the affected regions.