Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

Israeli tanks captured the main road dividing the eastern and western halves of Rafah, encircling the entire eastern side of the city in the southern Gaza Strip. Residents reported intense fighting between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel ordered civilians out of the eastern half of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands to seek shelter outside the city. Israel believes there are thousands of Hamas fighters in Rafah and cannot win the war without assaulting the city. The Israeli military located tunnel shafts in eastern Rafah and fought at close quarters with Hamas fighters. Ceasefire talks broke up with no agreement to halt the fighting. Over 34,000 Gazans have been killed in the seven months of war.

Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.

Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

Israeli forces massed tanks near Rafah in response to U.S. President Biden’s threat to withhold weapons if a major invasion occurred. Ceasefire talks in Cairo continued as Palestinian militant groups engaged in battles with Israeli forces on the outskirts of Rafah. The U.S. paused delivery of bombs to Israel due to civilian risks, causing concern for Israel’s ability to neutralize Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians fled to Deir Al-Balah, fearing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, with the U.N. warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Hezbollah says its drone hits northern Israeli town, two soldiers killed

Hezbollah says its drone hits northern Israeli town, two soldiers killed

Hezbollah said on Monday it carried out a drone attack on an Israeli military position near the northern Israeli town of Metula. The Israeli military later confirmed two soldiers were killed in the attack. Iran-backed Hezbollah also said it had sent dozens of rockets towards military targets across the border with Israel. Israel and Hezbollah, … Read more

Four civilians killed in Israeli strike on Lebanon border

Four civilians killed in Israeli strike on Lebanon border

An Israeli airstrike killed four members of a family in a house in a border village in southern Lebanon. Meiss al Jabal has suffered damage in exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah since the start of the war in Gaza last October. Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets at an Israeli town. Both sides have not engaged in all-out war, with casualties reported on both sides. Hamas militants from Gaza conducted a cross-border raid that resulted in many casualties, with thousands of Palestinians killed and wounded in Israel’s response.

Chios keeps tradition alive with thundering Easter rocket war [VIDEO]

Chios keeps tradition alive with thundering Easter rocket war [VIDEO]

Vrontados in Chios held its annual Easter rocket war tradition, where rival teams launched thousands of rockets in a spectacular display for 20,000 spectators. Volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly, with the Fire Service putting out minor fires and police managing traffic. The tradition ends with the cleanup of spent rocket casings until the next rocket war in 2025.

Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

Eli Harel, a former Israeli soldier, is prepared to rejoin the army to fight Hezbollah if a full-blown war breaks out. Hezbollah has been engaging in escalating cross-border strikes with Israel, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. Thousands of residents on both sides of the border have been displaced, increasing calls for military action against Hezbollah. The Israeli military is preparing for a potential war with Hezbollah, which could result in massive destruction in both countries.

US military’s pier in Gaza to cost $320 million

US military’s pier in Gaza to cost $320 million

The U.S. military’s cost estimate to build a pier off Gaza for humanitarian aid delivery has risen to 0 million, involving about 1,000 U.S. service members. Senator Roger Wicker expressed concerns about the high cost and potential risks for troops. Israel’s military campaign in response to Hamas’ attack has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Biden has ordered U.S. forces to stay off the Gaza shore, and aid will need to pass through Israeli checkpoints on land. The United Nations has appealed for .5 billion to meet urgent needs in Gaza.

Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza’s Rafah ahead of threatened invasion

Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza’s Rafah ahead of threatened invasion

Israel has increased airstrikes on Rafah, killing at least six Palestinians, as part of their ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces are preparing for an all-out assault on Hamas holdouts in Rafah, despite warnings from allies about potential mass casualties. Residents are fleeing the area, seeking safety in nearby locations, but many are uncertain about where to go. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the war now in its seventh month. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.

Israel, Lebanon’s Hezbollah trade heavy fire, sources in Lebanon say

Israel, Lebanon’s Hezbollah trade heavy fire, sources in Lebanon say

Hezbollah fired rockets at an Israeli town and Israel responded with heavy airstrikes on a Lebanese town near the border. The hostilities between the two sides have escalated, with Hezbollah launching drone attacks on Israeli military bases. The violence has resulted in casualties on both sides, with more than 70 civilians killed in Lebanon and 18 people killed in Israel.