rafah

UN experts urge all states to recognise Palestine

by
UN experts urge all states to recognise Palestine

A group of United Nations experts are urging countries to recognize a Palestinian state to help achieve peace in the Middle East. Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state, angering Israel. The experts believe recognizing Palestine is crucial for lasting peace and security in the region. Israel has faced isolation after months of conflict in Gaza, with the 7th October attack being the deadliest in its history.

Rafah crossing can’t reopen unless Israel leaves Gaza, Egypt says

by
Rafah crossing can’t reopen unless Israel leaves Gaza, Egypt says

The Rafah border crossing cannot operate unless Israel returns control to the Palestinians, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Israel took over the crossing last month during its offensive against Hamas in Rafah, which serves as the only connection to the outside world for Gaza’s residents. Shoukry emphasized the importance of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty for regional security and stability. Egypt suggested European monitors at the border if Palestinian authorities resume control. Israel is attempting to destroy tunnels between Gaza and Egypt used by Hamas, but Egypt denies their existence. Shoukry urged Hamas and Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Joe Biden. Israel has accepted the framework deal for ending the Gaza war but believes it requires more work.

UN Agency for Palestinian refugees suspends operation in Rafah

by
UN Agency for Palestinian refugees suspends operation in Rafah

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees has suspended its operations in Rafah due to ongoing Israeli armed forces ground operations in the city. All agency staff has relocated to Khan Yunis, where they have resumed operations despite damage to their facilities. The Israeli army sees Rafah as a stronghold for Hamas, prompting the agency to evacuate all shelters in the city. Thousands of displaced people are now seeking refuge in Khan Yunis and other areas affected by the conflict.

Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

by
Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

Countries mediating ceasefire negotiations, including Qatar, the USA, and Egypt, called on Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement based on a plan presented by US President Joe Biden. The plan includes a three-phase approach to achieve a permanent ceasefire, with conditions such as the release of hostages and the withdrawal of troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government’s conditions for a ceasefire, including the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Hamas responded cautiously, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops before agreeing to a ceasefire. Netanyahu faces pressure from both right-wing ministers and Israeli citizens demanding the return of hostages.

Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

by
Global campaign “All Eyes on Rafah” gains momentum

The “All eyes on Rafah” campaign is gaining traction in Western Europe, Australia, and India, aiming to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,171 Palestinians. Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Rafah, prompting global attention and support for the residents seeking refuge from the violence. Social media, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has seen a massive outpouring of support with millions of users sharing the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The campaign has coincided with international condemnation of Israel following airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. Israeli military operations in Rafah have continued despite the heightened scrutiny and criticism.

Cyprus deplores Rafah attacks; calls for ceasefire

by
Cyprus deplores Rafah attacks; calls for ceasefire

Cyprus has condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Rafah, expressing grief over the devastation and loss of civilian lives, including children. They called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, emphasizing the need to respect International Humanitarian Law.

Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

by
Reuters: Israel reopens Gaza food sales as Rafah raid chokes aid

The Israeli military has lifted a ban on the sale of food to Gaza from Israel and the occupied West Bank amid international aid choking as a result of the battlefield offensive. Gaza traders have been given permission to resume purchasing food such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers. The deliveries are vetted by the Israeli military at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, with only products for sale allowed and no charitable donations permitted. The flow of deliveries has been inconsistent, with prices often too high for cash-strapped families in Gaza.

Gaza aid deliveries drop by two-thirds since Israel’s move into Rafah, UN says

by
Gaza aid deliveries drop by two-thirds since Israel’s move into Rafah, UN says

The United Nations has reported a significant drop in humanitarian aid entering Gaza since Israel began its military operation in the region. The daily average of aid trucks reaching Gaza dropped by 67%, with only 58 trucks reaching the area from May 7 to Tuesday. Israel has stated that it is committed to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza despite ongoing conflict with Hamas.

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

by
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.

World’s largest humanitarian network calls for Gaza ceasefire

by
World’s largest humanitarian network calls for Gaza ceasefire

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, where millions of people are facing worsening hunger.