According to satellite imagery obtained and analyzed by The Associated Press, a new camp of tents is being erected near Khan Younis in the southern region of the Gaza Strip. This development comes as the Israeli military continues to indicate its plans to launch an offensive on the city of Rafah. Over the past few weeks, Khan Younis has been the target of numerous Israeli military operations. Israel has announced its intention to evacuate civilians from Rafah in advance of the anticipated offensive, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge in the southern city during the ongoing war, now in its seventh month. The military has denied any involvement in the construction of the tents. On Monday, a missile attack on a base in Rumalyn, Syria, housing a coalition force led by the United States was unsuccessful. According to a U.S. defense official, this is the first attack on a U.S. facility in Iraq or Syria by Iranian-backed militias since February 4th. The attack did not result in any injuries or claims of responsibility from any group. The conflict in the Middle East involves Israel and the U.S. against Iran and its affiliated militant groups. Concerns about all-out war have escalated due to airstrikes carried out by Israel and Iran earlier this month. The war began when Hamas and other militants killed an estimated 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and abducted approximately 250 hostages. According to Israel, militants are holding the remains of more than 30 people. Local health officials estimate that over 34,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas, approximately 2,200 of whom were civilians. The conflict has wreaked havoc on Gaza’s two largest cities, leaving behind extensive destruction. About 80% of the territory’s inhabitants have fled to other locations within the besieged coastal enclave. On Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a package that includes around $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and billions for Israel, which experts say is urgently needed. As early as Tuesday, the U.S. Senate may pass the package, which President Joe Biden has pledged to sign quickly.
Satellite Imagery Suggests Upcoming Israeli Offensive on Rafah
