Israel targets Hamas military chief; Gaza officials say at least 71 killed
USA TodayJul 18
Israeli Tanks Advance Into Northern Rafah
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Above: Israeli soldiers sit on a tank as he is moving along the border with the Gaza Strip on July 8, 2024 in Southern Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Israeli forces carried out a limited advance into northern Rafah on Wednesday, with tanks entering the area. Airstrikes were also reported in Rafah and central Gaza. Health authorities reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 81 people.
Israeli strikes on Tuesday hit a UN school in which displaced Palestinians had sought refuge. Israeli strikes have targeted several UN buildings recently, with the military saying that it had targeted militants operating inside them.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better "day after" in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel wants to make a deal and get its hostages back, but it cannot allow Hamas to stay in power. If Hamas is allowed to remain in charge in Gaza, the group will immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Though there are pressures at home and abroad to end the war prematurely, Israel must do what is best for its citizens.
Pro-Palestine narrative
After over nine months of non-stop brutality, the situation in Gaza continues to worsen. The US has simply failed to reel Netanyahu in, and over 35K Palestinians are dead because of it. Israeli crimes keep stacking up, yet the international community and the US refuse to do anything meaningful to stop the carnage.
