Strike on southern Gaza, dispute over future Palestinian state

Khan Younes is now the epicenter of fighting in Gaza, where 77 people were killed in overnight attacks between Thursday and Friday, January 19, Hamas’ health ministry said. The landlocked region is becoming increasingly conducive to the spread of diseases: the WHO has reported the appearance of thousands of hepatitis A and jaundice cases in Gaza. There were also IDF raids in the occupied West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority has counted six deaths since Wednesday. Le Figaro Takes stock of the conflict in the Middle East.

At least 77 people were killed in an overnight attack in Gaza

On Friday, January 19, the Israeli army launched an intense bombardment of the south of the Gaza Strip against the background of increasing regionalization of the conflict between Israel and Washington over a possible Palestinian state and the Yemeni coast. In the early hours of Friday, witnesses reported gunfire and airstrikes in Khan Younes, the main city in the south of the Gaza Strip where Israel says many members of the local leadership of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas are hiding.

The Palestinian Red Crescent expressed its grief “intense» Artillery Fire »in the surrounding areaFrom the local al-Amal hospital, Hamas’ health ministry reported 77 deaths in the nighttime strike, including Khan Younes, who is now at the center of the fighting. “Troops supported by artillery and aviation eliminated dozens of terrorists (in hand-to-hand combat).» In Khan Younes, the Israeli army signaled, claiming to have reached the sector “southernmostof Gaza from the beginning of its land settlement that began in the far north of the Palestinian Territory ».

In Gaza, where nearly 80% of the population has been displaced by raids or fighting, the humanitarian situation is dire. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced overnight that it had identified 24 cases of hepatitis A, a viral infection of the liver, and “thousands» Cases of Jaundice »maybe» This is linked to the spread of hepatitis. “Inhumane living conditions – almost no drinking water, clean toilets and the ability to keep the surroundings clean – would allow hepatitis A to spread further.“, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the boss of the WHO, wrote in a health reference on X”Explosive“

Palestinian state?

“We will not be satisfied with anything less than total victory, which means the destruction of terrorist leaders, the destruction of Hamas’ operational and military capabilities, the return home of our hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza with security controls. All Israel and all that enters upon it» The Palestinian Territory, announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday January 18. “Victory will take several months“, he insisted. And to add: “Israel must have security control over all territory west of the Jordan River. This is a necessary condition, which contradicts the idea of ​​(Palestinian) sovereignty.“

“We obviously see things differently.», National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, when asked about Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments that seem to reject American requests. The United States, Israel’s main ally and main supporter in the campaign against Hamas, for its part reiterates that the creation and recognition of a viable Palestinian state “Real security“

During the night, the army carried out raids in various areas of the occupied West Bank, particularly in Tulkarem where the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Health has counted at least six deaths since Wednesday. “Without an independent Palestinian state (…) there will be neither security nor stability in the region. The entire region is on the verge of volcanic eruption due to the aggressive policies of the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.“, declared a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in response to Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments.

The international community already fears conflict with daily exchanges of fire on the Israeli-Lebanese border, increased Houthi attacks against merchant ships in the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden, and the intensification of American strikes in Yemen.

Houthis against Washington

Earlier on Friday, Yemeni rebels claimed responsibility for shooting down the Cam Ranger, an American tanker traveling in the Gulf of Aden, the latest attack by the Iran-backed group against merchant ships in “.Unity» With Gaza. According to specialist site Marine Traffic, the Cam Ranger is a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker that has been off the coast of Yemen in recent days.

The American military command in the Middle East (CENTCOM) confirmed that the Houthis had indeed targeted Cam Ranger, but without reaching them as the rebels claimed. gang”Missiles were seen hitting the water near the ship», Centcom indicated, make sure there are no damages or injuries.

Earlier on Thursday, the United States bombarded Houthi missiles, saying they “Will be launched immediately in the Red Sea” It was the fifth time that Washington, sometimes with the support of London, has bombed Houthi positions, one of the organization’s lists was put back by Washington on Wednesday “terrorists“

“The madness and stupidity of the United States and the United Kingdom have worked against them: now none of their ships can cross one of the world’s major trade routes.“, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political leadership, told the Russian daily Izvestia on Friday. And to add, on the contrary, the ships of Russia and China are not threatened: “We are also ready to ensure their safe passage through the Red Sea“

Beijing calls for restoration of security in Red Sea

China’s Ministry of Commerce “Restore and ensure the safety of Red Sea waterways“, of which it”follows closely» Situation after attack by Houthi rebels on ships in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. “It is hoped that the parties concerned will act in the common interest of regional security and stability as well as in the general interest of the international community.“, declared the ministry’s spokesman, He Yadong, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Beijing called the parties involved “Restore and guarantee the security of Red Sea waterways to ensure the normal order of international trade“, he added. “We will also strengthen coordination with relevant departments, closely monitor related developments, and provide timely support and assistance to foreign business enterprises.», declared the spokesperson quoted by the state agency.

In response to Houthi rebel attacks on ships traveling in the Red Sea, US and British forces attacked Houthi positions in Yemen. The Houthis have carried out attacks targeting dozens of merchant ships that they believe are “Related to Israel» Many ship owners have been forced to suspend their fleet routes through this critical area for international trade.