Israeli military continues bombardment of Gaza Strip

More than four months have passed since Hamas terrorists launched an invasion into Israel on Oct. 7, triggering a protracted and relentless bombardment of the neighboring Gaza Strip by the Israeli military. The ongoing conflict, now the deadliest altercation between the two sides since Israel's establishment in 1948, shows no signs of abating in the near future. The brief cease-fire that permitted the release of over 100 hostages from Gaza seems like a distant memory at this point.

Israeli Prime Minister's Office Presents Plan for Evacuating Gazans

On February 25, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office disclosed a "plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip" to the country's war cabinet. The plan also includes provisions for providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in a manner aimed at preventing looting, as reported early Monday local time.

Israel Agrees to Updated Framework in Cease-fire and Hostage Deal

An updated framework has been agreed upon by Israel, which would establish a six-week cease-fire in Gaza in exchange for the release of 40 hostages, according to an Israeli source. Talks involving officials from the U.S., Israel, Qatar, and Egypt took place in Paris, leading to this development. While Israel awaits a response from Hamas regarding the updated language from the weekend's talks, plans are underway to enter Rafah. Operational and evacuation plans in Rafah are prepared for approval by the Israeli cabinet. As per the proposed deal, Israel has also consented to release a higher number of jailed Palestinians compared to the previous agreement, with up to 400 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released. The Israel Defense Forces are poised to redeploy from Gaza, albeit not fully withdraw.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed apprehension over Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, labeling it "inconsistent with international law." This signals a potential shift back to a long-standing U.S. policy that rejects Israeli settlement expansion in the area. Blinken voiced disappointment over reports of Israel's plans to build thousands of new settlement homes in the West Bank, emphasizing that the U.S. has consistently maintained its firm opposition to settlement expansion, deeming it counterproductive to achieving lasting peace and inconsistent with international law. Notably, the Biden administration has condemned Israeli expansion in the West Bank for years, with Blinken's statement indicating a departure from the position taken by his predecessor, Mike Pompeo, in 2019.

The U.S. Continues to Support Israel's Right to Self-defense

Blinken reaffirmed the U.S.'s support for Israel's right to defend itself and its people, particularly in the wake of what he described as a "horrific terrorist attack" on a Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Prior to his comments on settlement expansion, Blinken acknowledged the U.S.'s unwavering stance in backing Israel's self-defense.