What's happened
Israel is preparing for a potential ground offensive in Gaza amidst ongoing hostilities with Hamas. Recent events include Israel's flexibility in hostage negotiations, opening aid routes into Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff's apology for a deadly strike on an aid convoy, mass protests in Jerusalem demanding government resignation, US authorization of weapons transfer to Israel, US allowing a UN resolution for a cease-fire in Gaza, and discussions on defeating Hamas without a ground invasion of Rafah.
Why it matters
The developments in Israel's conflict with Hamas, including diplomatic negotiations, aid provision, military actions, and political tensions, have significant implications for the ongoing war, regional stability, and international relations. The decisions made by Israel and the US could impact the outcome of the conflict and the lives of civilians in Gaza.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel provides detailed coverage of Israel's preparations for a potential ground offensive in Gaza, including diplomatic negotiations, aid provision, and political tensions. The New York Times and The Independent focus on the US-Israel tensions over a UN resolution for a cease-fire and discussions on defeating Hamas without a ground invasion of Rafah.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing, with Israel facing criticism for its military actions in Gaza. Recent events, such as the deadly strike on an aid convoy and mass protests in Jerusalem, have intensified tensions. The US-Israel relationship has also faced strain over a UN resolution for a cease-fire and discussions on military cooperation and weapons procurement.
Common question
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Yoav Galant is an Israeli politician and former commander of the Southern Command in the Israel Defense Forces. In January 2015, he entered politics, joining the new Kulanu party.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Lloyd James Austin III is a retired four-star general of the United States Army. He was the 12th commander of United States Central Command. Austin was the first Black commander to head the organization.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.