Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein yesterday about the transition to a new phase in Gaza, which may lead to heightened tensions along the border with Lebanon. During his meeting with Hochstein in Washington, Gallant reported that this new phase affects all fronts, emphasizing that Israel is militarily and politically prepared. The new phase that Israel is promoting is characterized by less intense fighting and focused operations against the leadership of Hamas, along with efforts to find an alternative to its rule. Gallant's statements coincided with intensified Israeli threats and mobilization toward launching an attack on the Lebanese Hezbollah.
Despite this, heavy fighting continued in parts of Rafah yesterday. Field sources told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that intense battles were ongoing in the western and northern areas of Rafah, where Israeli forces are trying to establish control.
At the same time, UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner Philip Lazarini confirmed that hunger levels in Gaza are catastrophic, while the government's media office in the enclave stated that the occupation is practicing a policy of starvation, reporting that residents are consuming expired canned goods, leading to cases of food poisoning, according to "Asharq Al-Awsat".
