Israeli tanks

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.

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.

More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

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More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

Israel allowed around 200 aid trucks into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the blocked Rafah crossing. The aid shipments were agreed upon between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Israel is facing pressure to provide more aid to Gaza after months of conflict causing destruction and hunger. The Rafah crossing has been closed for almost three weeks, with Egypt refusing to open its side. Israel has opened new crossing points and is cooperating with the United States to distribute supplies. Israeli strikes in Rafah have killed at least five Palestinians, with ongoing operations to root out Hamas fighters and rescue hostages. Efforts to agree on a ceasefire and return hostages have been ongoing, with some movement after meetings between Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials and the prime minister of Qatar. Hamas demands the complete and permanent end of aggression in all of Gaza, not just Rafah. Israel insists the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated.

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.

Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as Israel faces World Court challenge

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Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as Israel faces World Court challenge

Israeli forces engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters in Jabalia, Gaza, while militants attacked tanks in Rafah. The U.S. military started delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza. Residents reported destruction in Jabalia, with homes and shops being demolished. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have killed over 60 militants in recent days. The conflict has led to widespread hunger and a collapsed medical system in Gaza. Over 630,000 people have been displaced in Rafah since the military offensive started. Israel is facing accusations of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza.

Israeli forces step up attacks on Gaza’s Jabalia camp, Rafah

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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.

Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

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Israeli tanks encircle eastern half of Rafah

Israeli tanks captured the main road dividing the eastern and western halves of Rafah, encircling the entire eastern side of the city in the southern Gaza Strip. Residents reported intense fighting between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Israel ordered civilians out of the eastern half of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands to seek shelter outside the city. Israel believes there are thousands of Hamas fighters in Rafah and cannot win the war without assaulting the city. The Israeli military located tunnel shafts in eastern Rafah and fought at close quarters with Hamas fighters. Ceasefire talks broke up with no agreement to halt the fighting. Over 34,000 Gazans have been killed in the seven months of war.

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.

FACTBOX-Lebanon’s Hezbollah: What weapons does it have?

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FACTBOX-Lebanon’s Hezbollah: What weapons does it have?

Hezbollah, a heavily armed non-state group in Lebanon, is a key player in the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance” alliance against Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East. Hezbollah possesses a vast arsenal of over 150,000 missiles and rockets, including precision weapons, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship missiles. The group also has around 45,000 fighters and has used drones in hostilities with Israel.

Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

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Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

Israeli tanks re-entered parts of northern Gaza and carried out air strikes on Rafah, killing and injuring several people. Tanks surrounded schools where displaced families were seeking refuge, ordering evacuations and detaining men. The Israeli military continued operations in central Gaza, targeting gunmen and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israel is still imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite some claims of increased aid flows. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October.