Israeli strikes in the southern city of Rafah in Gaza overnight resulted in the deaths of 18 people, the majority of whom were children, while U.S. lawmakers moved forward with a financial aid package to Israel.
At the Kuwaiti Hospital, it was reported by The Associated Press that a man, his wife, and their 3-year-old child were killed in the first Israeli strike. The woman was pregnant, but doctors were able to save the baby.
A second Israeli strike, according to the AP and hospital records, killed 13 children and two women. It was noted that all those killed in the second strike were members of the same family.
Since Hamas initiated an unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza has been enduring nearly daily Israeli strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to eradicate the militant group as Israel continues to target the militants in Gaza.
President Biden has been cautioning Israel for months against entering Rafah, where over 1 million civilians are estimated to be taking shelter as instructed by Israel. He informed Netanyahu in February that an invasion of Rafah should not proceed without a plan.
Earlier this month, Netanyahu stated that a date has been established for an invasion. into Rafah.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported that over 34,000 Palestinians have now died in the conflict. Many global leaders and humanitarian organizations have urged for a ceasefire as those residing in Gaza continue to suffer grave conditions..
The House endorsed a substantial foreign aid package on Saturday after experiencing delays in the lower chamber for the past few months.
The package, which has now been sent to the Senate for approval, allocates around $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid in Gaza and other areas, and $8 billion for Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific.
The Associated Press contributed.
