'Last refuge': Humanitarian crisis intensifies in Gaza as Israeli forces target Rafah border

Israeli forces intensified their assault on the outskirts of Rafah, the last refuge in the southern Gaza Strip, leading to dire conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals trapped against the border fence. Simultaneously, the United States launched retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria following a drone attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three U.S. troops. The escalating tensions are heightening concerns about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Amid the conflict, more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are now homeless, with many seeking refuge in Rafah on the Egyptian border. UNICEF estimated that 17,000 children in Gaza were unaccompanied or had been separated from their families during the conflict. The recent Israeli assault on Khan Younis has exacerbated the crisis, resulting in a significant influx of displaced individuals into Rafah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced plans to “eliminate terror elements” in Rafah, marking one of the last areas yet to be taken in the prolonged assault. With access to limited food and medical aid, Rafah and nearby parts of Khan Younis have transformed into makeshift tent settlements, amplifying the already dire conditions for those affected. The United Nations expressed grave concerns, with Jens Laerke stating that Rafah has become a “pressure cooker of despair.” The situation is dire, with rescuers unable to reach the sick and wounded in Khan Younis, and the prospect of combat reaching Rafah is almost unthinkable. The ongoing Gaza war, triggered by Hamas militants storming across the border fence into Israel, has resulted in a significant loss of lives and widespread destruction. Mediators are awaiting a response from Hamas regarding a proposal for the war’s first extended ceasefire, but challenges persist in reaching a comprehensive agreement. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to the region, aiming to broker a humanitarian pause and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. envoy to the United Nations, said an Algerian draft Security Council resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire could jeopardize “sensitive negotiations” aimed at brokering a pause in fighting. And Washington said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken would work for a humanitarian pause and the release of hostages still held by Hamas when he begins his latest trip to Israel, the West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar from Sunday. U.S. officials have said the response against Iran-backed militias will involve strikes over multiple days. Tehran says it will respond if its territory or interests are hit. On another front, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile heading for Israel in the area of the Red Sea, and Yemen’s Houthis, allied with Iran, confirmed they had fired ballistic missiles in the direction of the Israeli port and resort city of Eilat. (with inputs from Reuters)