Insights from Haaretz, BBC and UN News
The news
Hamas launched at least eight rockets from Gaza targeting Tel Aviv, the first attack on the central Israeli city since January.
No serious injuries were reported in the attack, but it comes at a precarious time for Israel: The International Court of Justice on Friday ordered the country to halt its military operation in the Gaza city of Rafah, and the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor said he is requesting for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, several European countries said they would recognize a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes, and Israel’s top lawmakers have soured on the war’s current trajectory.
Hamas and Israel will resume hostage and ceasefire talks this week.
SIGNALS
A rocket attack was likely as troops moved towards Rafah
The Israeli army had predicted a rocket attack from Hamas as the troops advanced into Rafah, The Times of Israel reported. Previously, Hamas has carried out attacks from areas where Israeli forces moved, in part to prevent Israeli forces from capturing Hamas’s weapons stockpiles. Israeli politicians used the attack as evidence that Israel should continue its operation in Rafah, despite the ICJ’s order, and as a means to reunify itself. War cabinet member Benny Gantz, who previously threatened to leave the cabinet over Netanyahu’s handling of the war, said that “today’s barrage by Rafah is proof that the IDF must act wherever Hamas is.”
Ceasefire negotiations will resume this week
Israel’s war cabinet met on Sunday to discuss hostage negotiations and a ceasefire, and talks with Hamas are reported to resume on Tuesday. But those discussions could stumble over the conditions for ending hostilities: Hamas has renewed its demand for a permanent ceasefire, which Israel still opposes. With the latest attack, the BBC wrote, Hamas may be trying to “show its strength” ahead of the talks – “or try to derail them.” European Union ministers will also meet with counterparts from Arab states on Monday, as the continent remains divided over the recognition of a Palestinian state. Spain, Ireland and Norway said they would do so, while France and Germany are against.
Aid trucks are entering Gaza, but it is unclear whether humanitarian groups can reach them
Aid trucks re-entered Gaza from southern Israel on Sunday after the US and Egypt struck a new deal to bypass the Rafah crossing, which Egypt has refused to reopen after Israel took control of the Palestinian side. Aid was routed through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, but it was unclear whether humanitarian groups could access it due to the fighting. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said last week it had suspended food distribution in Rafah because it could not access food distribution centers due to the military operation. A spokesperson said: “We have many people on the ground ready to provide assistance and services, but… we are simply unable to distribute food.”
