After four months of intense clashes, Israel announced the training camp complete with troops of land from South of the Gaza Strip. This move involves the Nahal Brigade remaining in place to maintain the security of the 'Netzarim Corridor', which runs along the coast from northern to southern Gaza. The immediate impact was felt on the local population: hundreds of thousands of people began returning to Khan Yunis from Rafah, where they had taken refuge during the conflicts. Meanwhile the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky launched an urgent appeal, the most pressing in recent months, while the United States Congress finds himself at the center of a crucial decision. More than $60 billion in U.S. military aid has been blocked for six months, triggering a situation that the Ukrainian leader describes as critical to the fate of the ongoing war.
Israel withdraws troops from southern Gaza: here's why
But what is behind this retreat? According to the White House, it is simply a matter of giving the troops a break after months of intense fighting. However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant offered a different interpretation, explaining that the withdrawal from Khan Yunis came after Hamas was no longer deemed to have a significant military presence in that city. He also indicated that the troops are preparing for missions futures, including a potential intervention a Rafah, near the border with Egypt, where the last Hamas battalions and numerous displaced Palestinians are located. There is talk of a process that could last several months and which has already led Tel Aviv's Defense Ministry to even announce a tender for the purchase of tens of thousands of tents, intended to host the displaced people heading towards north.
Military sources also revealed that this withdrawal could be the prelude to the so-called "third stage” planned by the Israeli army (IDF), which involves “targeted and limited raids” as already happened at the Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The army is now awaiting a political decision regarding military action in Rafah. Furthermore, the IDF intends to also operate in Deir el-Balah, in central Gaza.
Netanyahu warns of possible attacks
The statements of the Israeli prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu during a cabinet meeting they emphasized Israel's readiness both in defense and attack against possible threats, underlining the involvement of Iran and its proxy factions such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthi and other regional militias.
All this comes as the US prepares for a potential attack by Iran on Israeli and American targets in the region, in response to the Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. This led to the closure of several Israeli embassies around the world, including the one in Rome.
Finally, Netanyahu stated that there will not be a cease-fire without the return of the hostages, indicating that this position is also shared by Washington. These tensions and looming threats have led to several protests in Tel Aviv, with Netanyahu calling on the country for unity against extremists seeking to cause internal divisions.
Zelensky asks for help and speaks of defeat
The fury of the Russian bombing crashes on Ukrainian cities, leaving destruction and death in its wake. Over the recent weekend alone, over ten lives were lost, while more than 400 people struggle without power in Kharkiv, one of the most tormented areas.
The President Zelensky it sounds the alarm clearly: Ukraine is on the verge of a new, devastating Russian offensive. The head of military intelligence predicts a massive attack by May, concentrated mainly on the eastern front.
The Ukrainian forces are not stopping, but the situation is "difficult", as confirmed by the commander in chief. In Chasiv Yar, a few steps from the city of Bakhmut, the pressure is tangible, as the threat grows ever closer.
Kharkiv under fire: the growing threat of Russian bombing
But it is in Kharkiv that the fear is most palpable. Russian bombing, relentless for weeks, is hitting vital infrastructure, putting the city's resistance to the test. With the Russian border just a stone's throw away, the missiles take the blink of an eye to reach their target, evading Ukrainian anti-air defenses.
Le glider bombs they became a weapon of choice for the Russians: cheap, accurate, and difficult to counter. Ukraine has counted more than 3.500 of these deadly bombs this year alone, a dramatic jump from the past. And they don't even spare themselves against the Ukrainian troops on the front, as demonstrated by the recent capture of Avdiivka.
“Our only shield is to shoot down the planes carrying them,” said the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, underlining the urgent need to more American Patriots. But at the moment, Ukraine has only a few, far from the number required for effective defense.
As Zelensky urgently calls for US aid, the US Congress prepares for a decision that could be crucial to the fate of this conflict.
