As the Israeli occupation army continues its ongoing genocide in Gaza for more than 19 months, the Ministry of Health in the Strip warned that rationing the remaining fuel necessary to operate hospital generators no longer allows for extended functionality, putting the continuity of medical services at serious risk. The ministry renewed its urgent call to ensure fuel supply to hospitals, while the Government Media Office stated that hospitals are on the brink of collapse within 84 hours.
Political Developments
On the political front, Qatar, the main mediator in negotiations to end the war on Gaza, affirmed that its efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement continue despite the difficulties. During a press conference on Tuesday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said, “Our efforts continue despite the difficulty of the situation and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip… The negotiations are extremely difficult, but… there are ongoing communications between Qatar and the involved parties, including the United States, particularly with Steve Wietcove.”
International Reactions and Rejection of Occupation Plans
International opposition to the Israeli occupation army’s plan to expand its genocidal campaign and occupy the besieged Gaza Strip continues to grow. On Tuesday, Hamas stated that the Israeli cabinet’s approval of plans to expand its ground operation “is a clear decision to sacrifice the Israeli captives.” Additionally, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs rejected an Israeli proposal to shut down the existing aid system in Gaza, stating it “does not meet the fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence in the delivery of aid.”
Expansion of Military Operations in Rafah
The Israeli occupation army announced plans to expand its operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to a statement issued on Tuesday. The army said, “After completing the encirclement of Rafah several weeks ago, military forces continue their activities in the area, and it is expected that the scope of operations will expand to include several sites and additional neighborhoods.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had announced on Monday the approval of the expansion of the ongoing genocide and occupation of the Gaza Strip, along with the displacement of all residents to the south.
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