2024-02-15 00:24:45
Israel’s army claims to have dug up a suspected hideout of a Hamas leader. Hamas reports dozens of deaths after Israeli air strikes. All information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
UN and USA warn of escalation between Israel and Lebanon
11:55 p.m.: As fighting between Israel and Lebanon increases, the United States and the United Nations have warned of an escalation of the conflict. A UN spokesman said on Wednesday the latest escalation was “dangerous and should end”. Washington called for a “diplomatic path.” The Israeli army carried out air strikes on the neighboring country after a deadly attack from Lebanon. According to Lebanese information, seven civilians were killed in addition to two Hezbollah fighters – more in one day than in months.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington would continue to push for a “diplomatic path” to resolve cross-border tensions. “One of our main objectives since the beginning of this conflict has been to ensure that it does not escalate.” France’s Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné spoke of a “serious” but “not irreversible” situation in Lebanon.
Report: Thousands have to leave hospital in Khan Yunis
11:01 p.m.: According to Palestinian reports, the Israeli army evacuated a hospital in the city of Khan Yunis. Video recordings are said to show people being asked to leave the Nasser Hospital over loudspeakers; the images also show a column of people moving away from the facility. Apparently people had sought refuge in the hospital; there were said to be several thousand people. According to the BBC, Israel said it had offered a safe route. Neither medical staff nor patients were evacuated. According to doctors, there have been Israeli sniper attacks in the area in recent days.
Baerbock calls for a new ceasefire in the Gaza war in Israel
21 clock: During her visit to Israel, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for a new ceasefire in the Gaza war. This would open up a window of opportunity “to free the hostages and to get more humanitarian aid in,” says Baerbock on her fifth visit to Israel since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th. It calls on the warring parties to accept a proposal from Qatar and Egypt for a ceasefire and the release of more hostages.
The security of the people of Israel from Hamas’ terror is just as important as the survival of the people of Gaza, says the minister. “Hamas’ terror has also brought nothing but death and suffering to Gaza.” If they had compassion for their own people, the Hamas terrorists would immediately lay down their weapons, she says. It is Germany’s responsibility to stand up for Israel’s right to self-defense within the framework of international law so that a terrorist attack like the one on October 7th can never happen again.
Baerbock reiterates that an Israeli offensive in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip would be “a humanitarian catastrophe.” People needed “safe places and safe corridors to avoid being further caught in the crossfire.” More border crossings would have to be opened so that more aid and medicine could be imported. UN employees must be able to rely on security guarantees.
Netanyahu confirms intention to deploy in Rafah
7:51 p.m.: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms his government’s plans for a military operation in Rafah. “We will fight until complete victory, and that includes a strong effort in Rafah,” he wrote on Telegram. Before that, the civilian population will be allowed to leave the combat zones.
UN warns of dangerous escalation in Yemen
7:49 p.m.: The UN special representative for Yemen has called for immediate action to end the “dangerous escalation spiral” around the country. “I call on the Yemeni parties and relevant regional actors to support de-escalation in the Red Sea in order to protect the space for mediation in Yemen,” says Hans Grundberg. He calls for all parties to refrain from “military opportunism” and to make progress towards a brokered agreement.