Gaza health ministry

Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]

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Reports of ‘horrifying’ mass casualties in Rafah, UNRWA says [PHOTOS]

UNRWA described reports of attacks on families seeking shelter in Rafah as “horrifying”. Israeli air strikes killed at least 35 Palestinians in a designated area for the displaced in Rafah. The Israeli military targeted Hamas officials in Rafah, causing civilian casualties. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported an influx of casualties in Rafah. The Israeli military continued operations in Rafah despite a U.N. court ruling. Hamas fired rockets in response to Israeli attacks. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

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Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

Israeli troops and tanks entered parts of the northern Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians. The Israeli forces also took over ground in Rafah, a city by the Egyptian border. Benny Gantz threatened to resign if Netanyahu does not agree to a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8. The recovery of the body of a hostage taken by Hamas triggered the latest incursions. Israeli forces have continued operations in Gaza, conducting precise operations against terrorists and infrastructure. Netanyahu has faced criticism for failing to articulate an endgame in the war. Gantz proposed a six-point plan for Gaza’s civil administration. The strain on Israel’s coalition has increased, with demands for clarity on post-war plans. Armed groups attacked Israeli forces in Jabalia and Rafah, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel’s military reported 281 soldiers killed in fighting, while over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. UNRWA stated that nearly 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah since the ground operation began. Israel aims to capture Rafah to destroy Hamas and ensure security.

Israeli forces push into Gaza from north and south

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

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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.

Reuters: Israeli military to launch Rafah operation immediately, awaits approval

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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.

Iran’s foreign minister downplays drone attack, says Tehran investigating

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Iran’s foreign minister downplays drone attack, says Tehran investigating

Iran’s foreign minister downplayed an overnight attack on Iran, stating that there was no proven link to Israel. The attack involved drones that were downed after flying only a few hundred meters. Iranian media described the incident as an attack by “infiltrators” rather than by Israel. The attack targeted an Iranian Air Force base near Isfahan but did not cause major damage. Israel had previously said it would retaliate after a strike on April 13, but as of now, there has been no word on further action. The ongoing violence between Israel and Iranian proxies has raised fears of escalation into a direct conflict.

Chaos of Gaza war forces Christians to bury dead in Muslim cemeteries

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Chaos of Gaza war forces Christians to bury dead in Muslim cemeteries

Palestinian Christians in Gaza are burying their loved ones in Muslim cemeteries due to the dangers of traveling to their own graveyards amid the war between Israel and Hamas. The Tal al-Sultan cemetery received the body of a Christian man named Hani Suheil Abu Dawood because it was too risky for his family to travel. Cooperation between Christians and Muslims is common in Gaza, with a worker at the cemetery emphasizing the importance of respecting and protecting all human beings regardless of religion. The war has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, with many lives lost and families devastated.

Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

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Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

Nancy Pelosi and other congressional Democrats signed a letter urging President Biden to stop weapons transfers to Israel amid criticism of Israel’s military assault on Gaza, which has led to thousands of deaths and widespread hunger. Pelosi’s support highlights a growing mainstream view in the Democratic Party. The letter also called for an investigation into an Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine in Gaza.