Israel launched further airstrikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah Sunday night. The attack follows three weeks of an ongoing Israeli military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population is sheltering.
Mediators are urging Israel and Hamas to agree to the truce and hostage release agreement U.S. President Joe Biden proposed on Friday, which has been positively received by Hamas. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages taken during their attack on October 7 are rescued.
Netanyahu faces pressure from his governing partners, who could pull out of the coalition if he signs a ceasefire deal, resulting in the collapse of his government. On the other hand, proceeding with the assault risks isolating Israel internationally, as Biden previously stated that a major offensive by Israel on Rafah would be a red line. Protesters supporting the immediate release of hostages have also made their opinions known, and gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand that the government accept Biden’s plan for a ceasefire.
While Foreign Ministry officials have not commented on this specific agreement, on May 9, Taiwan donated NT$16.21 million (US$500,000) in humanitarian aid to Palestine through the Mercy Corps, in addition to medical and communications supplies.
