Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2024-05-12 at 22:02

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

May 13 2024 • 3 mins

HEADLINES
- US Warns Against Israeli Offensive on Gaza City of Rafah
- UN Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict
- Israel's Military Actions Escalate Conflict as Death Toll Surpasses 35,000

The time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned against an all-out Israeli offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah. Blinken emphasized that such an assault could lead to "anarchy" without eliminating Hamas. The United States has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a major military ground operation in Rafah, where over one million people have sought shelter. Israeli bombardment in the eastern parts of Rafah has already forced 300,000 Gazans to flee, prompting warnings from the US, other countries, and top UN officials about the disastrous impact on refugees in the area.

Blinken confirmed that the US concurs with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Israeli forces have killed more civilians than Hamas militants since the conflict began. He cautioned that a full-scale invasion could come at an "incredibly high cost" and might not effectively eliminate the Hamas threat. Blinken also disclosed that President Joe Biden's hold on weapons to Israel is limited to 3,500 "high-capacity" bombs, as the US presses for better protection of civilians and avoidance of a comprehensive invasion of Rafah.

In a recent call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Blinken reiterated the US opposition to a major Israel ground operation in Rafah and stressed the urgent need to safeguard civilians and aid workers in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes and artillery fire in eastern Rafah, as per Palestinian reports.

As the death toll in the war surpasses 35,000 people, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid. Despite a State Department report indicating potential violations of international law by Israel in its use of US weapons, Blinken stated that there is insufficient evidence to halt all military support. Republican Senator Tom Cotton has criticized Biden's limited halt in providing bombs, asserting that Israel is making significant efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

The conflict has escalated with Israel's military actions and the ongoing battles between troops and militants in Gaza. With the situation remaining volatile, diplomatic efforts continue to emphasize the importance of protecting civilians, providing aid, and seeking a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/05/blinken-israel-offensive-rafah-would-not-eliminate-hamas
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-800964
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-800963
https://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-renewed-russian-assault-on-ukraine-putin-removes-defense-minister-shoigu/

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