The Bottom Line Upfront
On July 24, 2024, Israeli ground operations and airstrikes hit Khan Younis, Gaza. With evacuation orders prompting around 150,000 residents to flee, the region faces a dire humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the United States Congress to speak about the state of the war, and to garner U.S. support. Israel still prioritizes the rescue of hostages trapped inside Gaza since the Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023.
The Breakdown
- Netanyahu was met with protests that Capitol police held off with pepper spray. Netanyahu comes to the U.S. amid tense Israel-U.S. relations and political turmoil as incumbent President Joe Biden exits the Presidential 2024 election.
- The United Nations stressed the lack of infrastructure for displaced individuals as critical hospital services struggle under extreme conditions.
- This escalation severely strains Gaza's already crippled healthcare system and leaves tens of thousands with no safe refuge—intensifying international calls for cease-fire negotiations.
- Over 55 deaths reported from recent strikes have raised the conflict death toll since October to at least 39,145.
- Israel also targeted Hezbollah in southern Lebanon following rocket fire.
- Efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar for cease-fire agreements continue amidst profound civilian suffering and infrastructure collapse within Gaza.
