The Israeli military continues to carry out operations at a hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on suspicion that fighters from the Islamic organization Hamas are active there, and have detained approximately 70 militants.
Health officials in the Gaza Strip say five hospital patients died in the operation, and the number of civilian casualties continues to rise.
*We will keep you updated on developments regarding Israel and Palestine as of February 17, Japan time.
Israeli Defense Minister considers ground operations in Rafah
The Israeli military, which continues to attack the Gaza Strip, is considering ground operations in Rafah, the southernmost part of Gaza where more than 1.4 million people have taken refuge, in order to destroy the Islamic organization Hamas.
Regarding this, Defense Minister Gallant told reporters on the 16th, ``We are thoroughly planning future operations in Rafah,'' emphasizing that preparations are underway for ground operations. did.
Many countries have expressed grave concerns regarding the ground operation to Rafah, and on the 16th, US President Biden stated that ``a temporary ceasefire is necessary'' in order to free the hostages. "I hope that there will be no ground invasion," he said, demonstrating a stance of restraining the Israeli side.
The NGO Médecins Sans Frontières also warned that an attack on Rafah, the last place of refuge for the people of Gaza, would be a catastrophe.
However, the Israeli military continues to carry out airstrikes on Rafah and remains committed to carrying out ground operations, prompting criticism and concern from the international community.
Israeli military arrests around 70 people at Nasser Hospital
Israeli forces entered Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis on the 15th, where many residents have taken refuge, and continued operations inside the hospital on the 16th, searching for the bodies of Hamas fighters and hostages. Ta.
Israeli Defense Minister Gallant told reporters on the 16th that ``approximately 70 terrorists were captured,'' emphasizing the results of the operation.
The Israeli military claims it is providing the necessary materials so that hospitals can continue to treat patients, but health authorities in the Gaza Strip say five patients have been left without oxygen. It means that he died.
Gaza health authorities said on the 16th that 112 people had died in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 28,775, and the toll continues to rise.
Two killed in gun attack Hamas: 'It's a natural reaction to war'
On the 16th, a man opened fire at a bus stop along a main road in a town in southern Israel, killing two people and injuring four others, Israeli media reported.
Some media reported that the gunman was a man living in a refugee camp in East Jerusalem, where many Palestinians live, and Hamas said in a statement that it was a "natural response to the war being waged by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip." I put it out.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on the 16th, condemning the incident as a terrorist attack against Israelis and saying, ``We will continue to fight until we restore safety to all of our people.'' We once again demonstrated our commitment to moving forward.