S., Africans vote in most competitive election since end of apartheid
South Africans voted in a competitive election where the African National Congress (ANC) could lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years in government.
armed wing
Hamas armed wing says it launched ‘big missile’ attack on Tel Aviv
Hamas’ armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv in response to alleged “Zionist massacres against civilians.” The rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip, marking the first time rocket sirens were heard in Tel Aviv in four months. No casualties were reported, indicating that Hamas is still capable of firing long-range rockets despite Israeli military efforts.
Israeli forces push into Gaza from north and south
Israeli forces have re-entered the northern edge of Gaza to prevent fighters from returning, resulting in intense fighting on both the northern and southern edges of the enclave. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled, and aid groups warn of a looming humanitarian crisis. The death toll has surpassed 35,000, with many more feared buried under rubble. Israel’s assault on Rafah has strained its relationship with the United States, leading to a temporary hold on weapon shipments. Hamas fighters are engaged in battles with Israeli forces in various areas of Gaza.
Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah
Israeli tanks advanced into Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, while airstrikes targeted Rafah in the south. Tanks were trying to reach the heart of the camp, with tank shells and air strikes destroying houses. Israeli troops forced Palestinians in shelters to evacuate. In Rafah, heavy bombardments killed people, and the city remained a “ghost town”. Hamas fighters engaged in gun battles with Israeli forces in both areas. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,000, causing a humanitarian crisis. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Reuters: Israeli military to launch Rafah operation immediately, awaits approval
Israel is conducting an assault on Hamas in Rafah, the last Gaza Strip city not yet targeted by a ground offensive. The Israeli military is focusing its attacks on areas in the north of Gaza where they had previously withdrawn troops. Aid agencies have expressed concern over the potential humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where over 1 million people have been displaced. Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours have killed at least 79 Palestinians, with heavy shelling reported in northern Gaza and suburbs of Gaza City. Residents are questioning the reasons for the renewed violence, with one resident suggesting it may be due to aid finally reaching the area. The Israeli military has not provided immediate comment on the recent developments.
Israeli forces kill two Palestinians including Hamas gunman in West Bank
Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians near Tubas in the occupied West Bank. One of them, Mohammad Omar Daraghmeh, was a member of Hamas and the head of Hamas infrastructure in the Tubas area. Daraghmeh was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces and weapons were found in his vehicle. Another man was killed in a raid in the Al-Fara refugee camp, but it is unclear if he was a member of Hamas. The incident is part of a series of confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza.