Israeli bombardment

Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

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Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

Israeli tanks continued to raid Rafah for a second day, defying the World Court’s order to end attacks on the city. The United States did not believe a major ground operation was underway, despite Israel’s incursion into Rafah. Residents reported Israeli tanks entering various areas before retreating towards the border with Egypt. The Palestinian health ministry called for immediate healthcare assistance in Rafah and northern Gaza, where hospitals had stopped functioning. UNRWA reported that around a million Palestinians had fled after Israeli evacuation orders. The Red Crescent Society evacuated medical teams due to ongoing bombardments. The World Court criticized Israel for not ensuring the safety and well-being of the evacuees from Rafah. Israel proposed a ceasefire and hostage release to Qatar, but Hamas insisted talks were pointless unless Israel ended its offensive on Rafah. Over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s Gaza offensive.

Criminal gangs, profiteers thrive in Gaza as cash shortage worsens misery

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Criminal gangs, profiteers thrive in Gaza as cash shortage worsens misery

A shortage of banknotes in Gaza is causing chaos, with only a few ATMs operational in the southern city of Rafah. Residents are facing long waits and sometimes paying fees to access cash, as armed gangs exploit the situation. The conflict has led to a lack of liquidity in the enclave, with hundreds of millions of shekels stuck in bank vaults. Essential goods remain scarce, and some merchants are profiteering from the shortage by charging high commissions. Gaza’s economy relies heavily on Israel, which has blocked cash imports since the start of the war.

Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

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Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

Tens of thousands of faithful prayed for peace at Portugal’s Fatima shrine amid wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other places. The shrine marks the site of reported visions of the Virgin Mary over 100 years ago. The Roman Catholic Church believes she gave three messages to three Portuguese children in 1917. Pope Francis made two of the children saints in 2017. Some pilgrims brought Ukrainian flags in support following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Prominent Gaza doctor dies in Israeli prison

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Prominent Gaza doctor dies in Israeli prison

Adnan Al-Bursh, head of orthopedics at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza, died in an Israeli prison after more than four months of detention. His death was labeled an “assassination” by Palestinian prisoner associations.

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.