Israeli Tanks Close In on Central Rafah as Global Uproar Grows

The Wall Street Journal ^ | May 28, 2024 | Rory Jones

[KingofZion]

Israeli tanks advanced further into Rafah on Tuesday, according to witnesses, as the Israeli military said it was expanding operations in the southern Gaza city amid growing international condemnation.

The tanks passed near the Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark, Palestinians in the city told The Wall Street Journal. The Israeli military didn’t comment on the specifics of its push into Rafah, but Israel’s Army Radio said the military had added a brigade to the five already operating in the city and troops were engaging in close-quarters combat with Hamas.

Israel is trying to thread a needle by pursuing a fight with Hamas in Rafah without further damaging its relationship with the U.S., its closest ally, or derailing fragile relations with the Arab world.

*** Israel for months has said it wants to destroy the last of Hamas’s military structure in Rafah and disrupt the U.S.-designated terrorist group’s smuggling network from Egypt into Gaza. But the U.S. has repeatedly warned Israel that it needs to do more to protect civilians.

*** Fighting also continued Tuesday in northern and central Gaza, where the Israeli military said it killed militants in aerial strikes and located weapons-storage facilities.

Mediators are seeking an initial six-week truce in which Hamas would release roughly 20 living Israeli hostages, along with an unspecified number of bodies of Israelis who died while in captivity. The initial deal could be followed by a cease-fire of up to one year and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, according to Arab mediators. Restarting talks would depend upon whether Hamas agrees to engage, Arab mediators said. Hamas has been approached but hasn’t yet agreed to participate, believing Israel to not be serious about reaching a deal, the mediators said.

***MORE

[logi_cal869]

Headline translated:

Global uproar as IDF nears last hamas holdouts in Rafah for eradication.

[roadcat]

Mediators are seeking an initial six-week truce in which Hamas would release roughly 20 living Israeli hostages, along with an unspecified number of bodies of Israelis who died while in captivity.

20? Release all the hostages, before any cease-fire! Or "protect" the Gazans the same way as Hamas, throw them in cages, abuse and starve them but no rape. Cages can be built in northern Gaza, or along the Syrian border as human shields.

[Big Red Badger]

The Lion of Judah Shall Prevail...!
.
Finish It BiBi

[arthurus]

Hamas needs a 6 week truce to re-arm.

[Repealthe17thAmendment]

But the U.S. has repeatedly warned Israel that it needs to do more to protect civilians.

If Hamas is the government in Gaza, it is their responsibility to protect civilians. Until there is no more Hamas. Then Israel can start protecting them.

[shanover]

Imagine the Allies are outside of bombed out and smoldering Berlin in 1945 and the world is outraged.

[Salman]

What the would be world ruling class wants is eternal War in Vietnam everywhere. They also want to kill all the Jews. Also their own populations, but priorities, you know.

[Sam Gamgee]

And since when has the world, outside the USA, ever been on Israel’s side? I think there greatest defender is strangely enough, is Russia.

[M Kehoe]

+1

5.56mm

[JohnBovenmyer]

>But the U.S. has repeatedly warned Israel that it needs to do more to protect civilians.

Yes, to protect ISRAELI citizens. Kill all Hamas and other terror group members. Deport all Hamas or other terror group supporters, with no right to return, either to some other muslim country or to Allah if none in this world will take them. Give the strip as a muslim free zone to its 2000 arab Christian residents and offer it as refuge for other middle eastern, discriminated against by muslim, religious minorities willing to accept Israel's existence. Remove the strip as a combat front and launching site from IDF's perimeter. Keep it muslim free as a payment from Allah for Hammas efforts to render Israel free of Jews, and as a warning to those who might try the same in the future.

[metmom]

It is one of the best.

I think that Trouble with Tribbles was my favorite.

I liked the other visit back to earth ones as well: Tomorrow is Yesterday and Assignment: Earth.

[metmom]

I like it.

Works for me.

[dfwgator]

Get Some!

[Ciexyz]

Bring Captain Picard to the table and peace negotiations would be back on track for sure! 👍