A Border Crossing Shuttered for Months Traps Sick and Wounded in Gaza
New York TimesJul 18
Israel Orders Evacuation of Part of Humanitarian Zone in Gaza
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Above: People inspect damage and remove items from their homes following Israeli airstrikes on April 13, 2024 in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Israel on Monday ordered the evacuation of several neighborhoods in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, including areas that the military had designated as part of a humanitarian zone. The Palestinian Civil Defense said that around 400K people would be affected by the order.
Following the order, Israeli tanks moved into the greater Khan Younis area, with Gaza medics saying that at least 70 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that two of its clinics east of the city had been knocked out of operation because of the new offensive.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has gotten out of hand, and the Biden administration's red lines are clear. Netanyahu must be willing to work with the US and its allies to find a resolution to this conflict.
Pro-Israel narrative
As Israel winds down the high-intensity phase of its war against terror, it will likely still need to have the ability to operate within the parts of Gaza in which Hamas has attempted to resurge. Indeed, Israel has gone so far as to disadvantage itself by potentially allowing terrorists to flee alongside the civilian population after it orders the evacuation of populated areas. Israel will continue to make military progress in Gaza for as long as it needs to.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It should be clear after over nine months of grinding brutality that Israel's true goal is to destroy Gaza and starve its people. Israel has failed miserably at defeating Hamas, as it continues to re-emerge in areas Israel has deemed "cleared." Continuing this genocidal war is simply a means to prolong Netanyahu's political career, and the US has helped him every step of the way.
