Israeli forces launched fresh raids in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, just hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to address the US Congress. The latest attacks targeted homes in towns east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, forcing thousands of residents to seek shelter further west. According to the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service, distress calls were received from residents trapped in their homes in Bani Suhaila, but rescue efforts were hindered.
The Israeli military stated that its operations aimed to target areas used by Hamas fighters to launch rockets into Israel and attack Israeli troops. Health officials in Gaza reported that Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours killed at least 55 people, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to over 39,000 since the conflict began.
Residents Displaced and Struggling
Residents like Ghada, who has been displaced six times during the war, expressed frustration and despair. “Where should we go? Shall we cross into the sea?” she asked from Hamas City in northwestern Khan Younis. “We are exhausted, starved, and want the war to end now, not an hour later. Every day means more families are wiped off the registration book,” she told Reuters via a chat app.
Local residents reported being directed to head west towards a designated humanitarian area, but they claimed that even these areas were no longer safe. Israeli airstrikes also targeted several areas in central and northern Gaza, causing further casualties and destruction. In Rafah, near the Egyptian border, multiple houses were reportedly destroyed by Israeli forces.
Palestinian Criticism of US Support
The conflict was triggered on October 7 by Hamas-led fighters who stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives. Israel estimates that around 120 hostages are still held, with one-third believed to be dead. As Netanyahu prepared to address Congress, Palestinians criticized the U.S. for its support of Israel.
Some Palestinians gathered at a hospital in Khan Younis before funerals, denouncing the US as a partner in the violence. “The United States is a main partner in what is happening in Gaza. We are being killed because of the United States. We are being slaughtered by American planes, American ships, American tanks, and American troops,” said Kazem Abu Taha, a displaced resident from Rafah.
International Reactions and Future Prospects
Hamas officials also condemned the US Congress for inviting Netanyahu, calling it an endorsement of alleged war crimes. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, stated, “The Congress invitation to Netanyahu to make a speech gives legitimacy to the crimes of the war of genocide in Gaza. Receiving a war criminal is a shame to all Americans.”
Israel has rejected accusations from South Africa at the UN’s top court that its military operation in Gaza constitutes a state-led genocide campaign against Palestinians. Israel also reacted angrily to the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s decision to seek an arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has suggested that a deal to release Israeli captives in Gaza could be near, but Hamas officials argue that there has been no substantial change in Israel’s position. While Hamas calls for a ceasefire to end the war, Netanyahu insists that the conflict will not cease until Hamas is eradicated.