rafah

Jordan’s King Abdullah presses Biden to avert Israel offensive in Rafah

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Jordan’s King Abdullah presses Biden to avert Israel offensive in Rafah

Jordan’s King Abdullah warned U.S. President Joe Biden that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could lead to a new massacre of Palestinian civilians and urged urgent international action. Israel carried out airstrikes in Rafah, prompting concerns about a regional conflict. Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to proceed with a large-scale military offensive in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. The leaders discussed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Jordan and other Arab states have been critical of Israel’s actions and have been calling for a ceasefire.

Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

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Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

Israel conducted airstrikes in Rafah after instructing Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city where over a million war-displaced people are sheltering. Ceasefire talks in Cairo are stalling, and Hamas warns that any Israeli operation in Rafah could jeopardize the truce negotiations. The evacuation order has sparked fears of a full-blown assault, with Hamas declaring readiness to defend Palestinians in Rafah. The UN and aid agencies have expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the evacuation. Israel has been threatening to launch incursions in Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas fighters and hostages. The US has urged Israel to pursue a hostage deal to avoid a military operation in Rafah.

Israel military begins evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah, radio says

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Israel military begins evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah, radio says

Israel’s armed forces are evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah in preparation for a potential assault on the southern Gazan city. Evacuations are focused on peripheral districts of Rafah, with evacuees being directed to tent cities in nearby Khan Younis and Al Muwassi. The Israeli military has called on Palestinians in eastern parts of Rafah to move to a nearby “humanitarian area” in what appears to be the beginning of a civilian evacuation before a ground assault. Israel claims that victory against Hamas is impossible without taking the city, which is said to harbor thousands of fighters. This operation has raised concerns among Western powers and neighboring Egypt due to the high number of displaced Palestinians in Rafah.

Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

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Thousands of Israelis protest to demand hostage return

Thousands of Israelis protested, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to bring back remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza. Families of hostages are desperate for their return, with some still missing since a Hamas attack in October. The protests come as international pressure mounts to end the seven-month war in Gaza. Netanyahu’s government is determined to continue the war until all hostages are returned, despite efforts for a ceasefire.

UN official rings alarm over Rafah attack, saying it could result in ‘slaughter’

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UN official rings alarm over Rafah attack, saying it could result in ‘slaughter’

An Israeli incursion in Rafah would endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of Gazans and severely impact humanitarian operations in the enclave. Israel has warned of an operation against Hamas in Rafah, where displaced people are living in shelters. The U.N. humanitarian office expressed concerns about a potential civilian slaughter and disruption of aid operations, including medical clinics and food distribution. The World Health Organization has prepared a contingency plan, but it may not prevent a significant increase in casualties. Additionally, there are worries that an incursion could close the Rafah crossing, hindering the import of medical supplies.

Israeli ministers meet on hostages, Rafah plan

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Israeli ministers meet on hostages, Rafah plan

Israeli ministers discussed a Gaza truce proposal to free hostages held by Hamas and the possibility of an army sweep in the southern tip of the enclave. Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas on a ceasefire offer presented by Egyptian mediators. One hostage, Dror Or, was confirmed killed in a Hamas attack, with his body held in Gaza. Ceasefire efforts in the past have stumbled over Hamas’ demand for a commitment from Israel to end the war. Israel is considering a push into Rafah, the last bastion of Hamas, which is home to around one million displaced Palestinians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over the lack of a plan for the safe evacuation of civilians from Rafah.

Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

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Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

Biden is facing criticism from both left and right factions for his Israel policy, as campus protests against the war in Gaza escalate. Despite concerns that the protests could impact his chances in the upcoming election, the White House has focused on rolling out youth-friendly policies, such as student loan relief and marijuana reform. Republicans have used the protests to criticize Democrats, while some warn that young voters may desert Biden over his stance on Israel.

Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

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Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

Some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel’s assurances about using U.S.-supplied weapons in line with international humanitarian law credible or reliable. The State Department is divided on this issue, with some expressing concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The department must report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances. Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has raised questions about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Biden has the option to suspend or put conditions on U.S. weapons transfers to Israel if needed.

WTI above $83.50 on disappointing US GDP, Gaza fears

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WTI above $83.50 on disappointing US GDP, Gaza fears

The benchmark US crude oil Western Texas Intermediate (WTI) is trading higher around .60 on Friday due to potential geopolitical risk from a looming Israeli invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

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

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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.