rafah

Blinken begins new Middle East trip as U.S. strains with Israel show

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Blinken begins new Middle East trip as U.S. strains with Israel show

– U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a Middle East mission, with no initial stop in Israel announced.
– Intense fighting occurred around Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City, with Israel claiming to have killed 90 gunmen and Hamas stating those killed were civilians.
– Blinken was scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and Cairo to discuss efforts to secure a truce in the conflict.
– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a plea from President Joe Biden to call off plans for a ground assault of Rafah.
– Netanyahu aims to complete the elimination of Hamas battalions in Rafah through a ground assault.
– The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, with Hamas killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, and nearly 32,000 Palestinians confirmed killed since then.
– Ceasefire talks have resumed in Qatar, with discussions on a truce involving the release of around 40 Israeli hostages in return for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
– Israel launched an operation against Al Shifa hospital, claiming Hamas fighters regrouped there, and reported killing 90 gunmen and detaining 160 at the hospital.
– Hamas acknowledged a senior police commander was killed in the hospital but stated he was responsible for civilian security.

In Gaza, starving children fill hospital wards as famine looms

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In Gaza, starving children fill hospital wards as famine looms

Six-year-old Fadi al-Zant from Gaza is acutely malnourished, unable to walk, and suffers from cystic fibrosis. His health has deteriorated since the conflict began, as his medication is no longer available and his diet has been severely restricted. The Kamal Adwan hospital, where Fadi is being treated, has seen most of the 27 children who have died from malnutrition and dehydration recently. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns that famine is imminent in northern Gaza, affecting over two-thirds of the people there. Despite Israel’s claims of not limiting aid, shortages of food, medicines, and clean water persist. Fadi’s condition worsened about two months ago, with his weight dropping from 30kg to 12kg. The U.N. children’s agency UNICEF reports nearly 1 in 3 children under two in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition. Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of obstructing the provision of basic services and lifesaving aid, which Israel denies. Conditions in Gaza have been exacerbated by disease, with a significant increase in diarrhoea cases among children under 5, further hastening malnutrition.

Washington makes new push for Gaza ceasefire to head off famine, Rafah assault

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Washington makes new push for Gaza ceasefire to head off famine, Rafah assault

– The United States is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a famine and is urging Israel not to launch a ground assault on Rafah, where over a million displaced people are taking refuge.
– Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning a trip to the Middle East to meet leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia to discuss peace, but no visit to Israel has been announced.
– Israeli air strikes in Rafah killed 14 people, and Gaza’s food shortages have surpassed famine levels according to the international hunger monitor.
– Israel denies causing Gaza’s hunger, claiming it is opening new routes for aid and that U.N. and other agencies should distribute food more effectively.
– The U.N. suggests Israel’s restrictions and conduct in the conflict could constitute a war crime.
– Ceasefire talks are resuming in Qatar, with discussions around a six-week truce that would involve the release of hostages and detainees and the provision of aid to Gaza.
– The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential assault on Rafah have caused tension between the Israeli government and the U.S. administration.
– White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed that a ground operation in Rafah would be a mistake and that Israel’s goals can be achieved by other means.
– Israel insists a ground assault is necessary to defeat Hamas in Gaza, including in Rafah.
– Hamas reported the death of a senior police commander and his family in northern Gaza due to overnight air strikes.
– Israel aims to continue its military operations in Gaza until Hamas is defeated and claims to have killed senior Hamas officials, including the deputy commander of the Hamas military wing.
– Talks hosted in Qatar between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with hopes for a truce that would benefit over two million people in Gaza.

Israel approves plan to attack Rafah but keeps truce hopes alive

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Israel approves plan to attack Rafah but keeps truce hopes alive

Israel approved a potential assault on Rafah in Gaza but also plans to send a delegation to Qatar for talks on a possible hostage deal with Hamas. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the attack plan, citing Hamas’ stronghold in Rafah and the intention to evacuate residents. The U.S. expressed cautious optimism about a ceasefire-for-hostages proposal by Hamas, which includes releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite global concerns over civilian casualties, Israel aims to eliminate Hamas fighters. A recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed or wounded several people. Hamas has offered a counter-proposal for a truce, involving the release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, but gaps remain between the Israeli and Hamas positions. The war began with a Hamas attack on October 7, killing 1,200 and taking 253 hostages, leading to an Israeli assault that has killed over 31,000 and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population. The first aid ship, Open Arms, arrived in Gaza, bringing food and water, amidst warnings of famine and malnutrition in the region.

ANALYSIS-Biden-Netanyahu rift raises questions about US weapons to Israel

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ANALYSIS-Biden-Netanyahu rift raises questions about US weapons to Israel

A rift has developed between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over potential military actions in Gaza, particularly concerning a ground offensive in the south of the enclave. This situation has led to discussions within the U.S. administration about possibly leveraging military aid to encourage Israel to facilitate humanitarian relief in Gaza and minimize civilian casualties in its conflict with Hamas. Despite Biden’s historical support for Israel, he has shown signs of frustration with Netanyahu’s responses and has not ruled out the possibility of conditioning military aid on Israel’s actions, especially regarding an invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. The U.S. has begun airdropping humanitarian supplies into Gaza and plans to build a floating aid dock off the Gaza coast. Conversations have occurred within the U.S. State Department about limiting military aid to Israel, though this idea has not gained traction among senior leadership. Biden’s approach to the situation is influenced by his 2024 re-election bid, aiming to balance support among pro-Israel voters and progressive Democrats. Public messaging from the U.S. has intensified following incidents that resulted in Palestinian civilian casualties.

Aid ship leaves Cyprus bound for Gaza as Palestinians on brink of famine

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Aid ship leaves Cyprus bound for Gaza as Palestinians on brink of famine

– A ship carrying almost 200 tonnes of food for Gaza left Cyprus on Tuesday, aiming to open a new sea route to deliver aid to Palestinians.
– The charity ship Open Arms was seen sailing out of Larnaca port in Cyprus, towing a barge containing flour, rice, and protein.
– The journey to Gaza takes about 15 hours, but with a heavy tow barge, it could take up to 2 days.
– Cyprus is just over 200 miles (320 km) north-west of Gaza.
– The U.S. military’s vessel, the General Frank S. Besson, was also en route to provide humanitarian relief to Gaza by sea.
– The U.S. military parachuted more than 27,600 meals and 25,900 bottles of water into northern Gaza.
– The U.N. estimates a quarter of Gaza’s population is at risk of starvation.
– Jordanian state media reported seven humanitarian air drops on Monday, with Jordan, the U.S., Egypt, France, Belgium, and Morocco participating.
– The conflict has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people.
– Palestinian media reported that seven Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli gunfire in Gaza City early on Tuesday.
– United Nations chief Antonio Guterres appealed for a truce and the removal of obstacles to life-saving aid.
– Hamas killed 1,200 people in an Oct. 7 attack on Israel and took 253 hostages.
– Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians.
– Israel was checking if it had killed Hamas’s deputy military leader, Marwan Issa, in an airstrike in Gaza.
– Marwan Issa is known as the ‘Shadow Man’ and is second-in-command of Hamas’s military wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades.
– Negotiations on a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas remain deadlocked in Cairo.
– An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City killed 16 people and wounded several others.
– The Israeli military said its forces killed about 15 militants in central Gaza.
– Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched several drones at an outpost in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
– Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea toward merchant vessel Pinocchio, with no injuries or damage reported.

Israel checking reports that Hamas’ military No 2 killed in Gaza strike

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Israel checking reports that Hamas’ military No 2 killed in Gaza strike

Israel was investigating whether Marwan Issa, Hamas’s second-highest military leader, died in an air strike on the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza. The attack, which occurred on Saturday night, resulted in five fatalities. Issa is a key figure in Hamas’s military wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades. His death could impact efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza war, which has lasted more than five months, causing significant casualties and destruction. The conflict began after a Hamas attack on October 7, leading to over 31,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 73,000 injuries. Negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, with involvement from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Additionally, an Israeli air strike in Gaza City killed 16 people in the Abu Shammala family’s house. The conflict has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with a significant humanitarian crisis unfolding. Aid efforts are being made, including the dispatch of vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Aid ship heads to Gaza

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Aid ship heads to Gaza

The maritime corridor for humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza is likely to be launched on Sunday, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Larnaca after inspecting the port installations with President Nikos Christodoulides. The Amalthea Initiative, aimed at delivering aid to Gaza following five months of war, was led by Cyprus and supported by the EU, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the U.K. The first vessel, belonging to the Spanish NGO Open Arms, is anchored in Larnaca, ready to deliver food and supplies provided by the World Central Kitchens charity. The U.S. military plans to set up a temporary port off Gaza’s coast to support the initiative, as announced by President Joe Biden. The Cyprus maritime corridor intends to scale up aid by complementing other routes, including the Rafah crossing from Egypt and airdrops from Jordan. The UN Special Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The European Commission President emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for aid, mentioning Europe’s financing of a major humanitarian effort for Palestinians in Gaza and the region, amounting to €250 million this year. The EU has launched 41 flights carrying over 1,800 tonnes of aid and is considering all options, including airdrops. The EU naval force operation Aspides was launched to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea amid deteriorating maritime security. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of preparing for a viable two-state solution, calling for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, opposing forced displacement of Palestinians and the blockade of Gaza, and condemning Gaza as a safe haven for terrorists.

Israel strikes landmark residential tower in southern Rafah as truce talks stall [PHOTOS]

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Israel strikes landmark residential tower in southern Rafah as truce talks stall [PHOTOS]

Israel conducted a strike on one of the largest residential towers in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. The 12-floor building, which housed around 300 residents and was situated approximately 500 meters from the Egyptian border, sustained damage. Although no casualties were reported, the strike rendered dozens of families homeless. Residents received a 30-minute warning before the building was hit, leading to a chaotic evacuation. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident. This action is part of a broader conflict that has seen nearly 31,000 Palestinians killed and over 72,500 wounded in five months, with thousands trapped under rubble. The ongoing offensive has significantly impacted Gaza, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in the territory, which has been under a blockade for 17 years. The conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages taken, according to Israeli reports. Negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages have faced challenges. The cost of rebuilding Gaza is estimated to exceed billion. In recent operations, the Israeli military reported conducting arrests, locating weapons, and killing over 30 fighters in various locations in Gaza. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 82 people killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip in the last day.

Hamas delegation leaves Cairo, ceasefire talks ongoing 

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Hamas delegation leaves Cairo, ceasefire talks ongoing 

– Hamas’s delegation left Cairo on Thursday after four days of talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt aimed at securing a 40-day ceasefire before Ramadan, but no progress was made on key issues.
– Both sides blame each other for the lack of progress, with Hamas seeking an end to Israel’s offensive, withdrawal of its forces, and freedom of entry for aid and the return of displaced people.
– Israel insists on continuing its campaign against Hamas and demands a list of hostages held by militants in Gaza.
– The U.S. President mentioned that a ceasefire deal depends on Hamas, which includes freeing some hostages held by Hamas since the Oct. 7 attack and releasing Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
– Hamas wants a ceasefire before addressing the hostage situation, demands Israeli forces leave Gaza, and allows all Gazans to return home.
– News of the failed talks led to despair in Gaza, facing a humanitarian crisis after five months of war.
– The U.S. believes a truce accord is still possible and continues to push for one.
– Health officials in Gaza report over 30,800 deaths due to Israel’s offensive, with 83 deaths in the last 24 hours.
– Israel returned 47 bodies of Palestinians killed during the offensive.
– Hamas calls for increased visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan to pressure Israel for a ceasefire.
– Negotiators aimed for an accord before Ramadan due to concerns that the Al-Aqsa Mosque could become a violence flashpoint.
– Israel plans to allow a similar level of access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque as in previous years.