Israeli Airstrike Kills 27 in Central Gaza as Divisions Emerge on Postwar Governance

The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with an Israeli airstrike killing 27 people, mostly women and children, in central Gaza. The fighting has spread across the region, leading to divisions within the Israeli government over how to govern Gaza after the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing criticism from members of his War Cabinet, particularly from his main political rival Benny Gantz. Gantz has threatened to leave the government if a plan is not created by June 8 that includes an international administration for postwar Gaza. This potential departure could leave Netanyahu reliant on far-right allies who support a full military occupation of Gaza.

Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has proposed an ambitious plan for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel and assist the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza, in exchange for a path to eventual statehood for Palestinians. Netanyahu, however, remains opposed to Palestinian statehood and advocates for continued security control over Gaza.

The recent airstrike in Nuseirat, a Palestinian refugee camp in central Gaza, resulted in the deaths of 27 people, including women and children. The conflict has also led to additional casualties in northern Gaza, where heavy fighting and airstrikes have intensified.

Despite international efforts to provide humanitarian aid and address the escalating crisis, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The war has resulted in thousands of casualties and displacement of the population, with many residents facing basic needs such as access to clean water and shelter.

As the conflict in Gaza rages on, the international community is called upon to take action to end the violence and support efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the ongoing war.