The Squiz

As Israel’s military operation in the south of Gaza expands, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) officials have warned their upcoming moves against Hamas will be of “no less strength” than they were in the north last month. More than 700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire ended on Friday, according to the Hamas-run government in Gaza, and Palestinian civilians who were told to flee south last month say they’re now fearful of a ground invasion there. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that 8 in 10 Gazans are now displaced, with 60% of the territory’s housing completely flattened or partially damaged.

So where will Palestinians go?  

One of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s advisors says Israel has notified civilians and humanitarian groups of the “safer areas” they can move to, with Rafah – the southern city near Gaza’s border with Egypt – being named as one. But one 80yo Palestinian man said it was “nonsense” after Israeli strikes hit Rafah on Friday, and said he wouldn’t move again. “There is nothing left to fear. Our homes are gone, our property is gone, our money is gone, our sons have been killed, some are handicapped. What is left to cry for?” he said. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says Israel “continues to extend its ground operation against Hamas centres in all of the Gaza Strip”, as they’re “coming face-to-face with terrorists and killing them”. Meanwhile, Iran has warned of a “war expansion” if Israel doesn’t stop the strikes on Gaza. So there’s a lot going on… 

And is it time to check in on Ukraine? 

Good shout. So, Ukrainian prosecutors say they have footage of Russian soldiers killing 2 unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war, calling it a “gross violation” of the laws governing warfare. Russia hasn’t responded to the claims. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian shelling is intensifying in the east, and hitting the southern port city of Kherson particularly hard. And a couple of related diplomatic visits are scheduled… Newly minted UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron is headed for Washington this week to discuss support for Ukraine with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. And Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko – one of Russia’s key allies – is in China for talks with President Xi Jinping. Lukashenko yesterday called his country’s relationship with China “reliable”. High praise indeed…