Ultra-Orthodox don’t want to fight, but there are battles outside a hospital in Gaza: war, day 174

Israel’s war against Gaza began almost six months ago: since then, several court cases have demanded the integration into the armed forces of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish (haredi) community, who since the founding of the Jewish state in 1948 have been exempt from the military service if they dedicate their lives to the study of the Torah (Judaism’s holy book).

The issue divides the radical right government itself, and the Supreme Court had given the executive until Wednesday to present a legislative solution. This Thursday, Netanyahu asked the judges for another 30 days to deliver the work.

“The issue of equality of duties is of vital importance for Israeli society”, reads a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, which justifies the request for postponement of “war efforts”. “A little more time is needed to reach an agreement,” they add.

In the absence of a law that authorizes the postponement of conscription, “from April 1st” it will not be possible for “students of Talmudic schools to continue to avoid the procedures” of carrying out military service, said today Gali Baharav-Miara, Prosecutor- General of Israel, a role similar to the government’s legal advisor and representative.

According to a recent survey, 70% of the country’s Jewish population believes that ultra-Orthodox Jews should contribute to the country’s security and carry out military service, just like everyone else. However, the ultra-Orthodox parties that are part of the government coalition reject the change – and if both abandon the agreement with Netanyahu, the majority will be lost and the executive could fall.

On the other hand, a member of the war cabinet assured today that he will resign if the exemption continues.

Siege of Al-Shifa hospital continues to add victims

In the war, Israel claims to have murdered a senior Hamas commander in Al-Shifa, once the most advanced hospital in Gaza and today one of the main battlefields between the two sides.

The dead militant would be responsible for Hamas’ human resources and supply, according to an Israeli military source. Another three fighters were killed in the hospital’s maternity ward, Tel Aviv guarantees. A Hamas tunnel was destroyed.

The siege on the Gaza hospital has lasted for several days, and on Sunday the Israeli army announced the arrest of 480 people who claim to belong to Hamas. On the other hand, Israeli troops are accused of deliberately killing 18 patients.

In the West Bank, 18 Palestinians were arrested following a shooting that injured three people this morning. The authorities guarantee that they are looking for a “terrorist”, without giving a name.

In Rafah, where violence is already daily despite the promised military offensive having not yet begun, Israeli forces killed at least 12 people by bombing a house.

Other news

> The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to open more land crossings to allow essential goods to enter Gaza, “without hindrance” and “in full cooperation” with the UN. The decision was decreed as part of a process presented by South Africa, which accuses Israel of acts of genocide. Ireland wants to join this process against Tel Aviv.

> The United States and Israel have resumed negotiations for Israeli officials to visit Washington and discuss possible military operations in Gaza, after Netanyahu canceled a trip after being criticized by the White House. No date has been announced, but the meeting is expected to weigh on the decision – or form – of invading Rafah, in southern Gaza.

> Thousands of people are demonstrating in Amman, the capital of Jordan, in solidarity with the inhabitants of Gaza. At least 200 people have already been detained.