France will provide additional military aid to Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, as confirmed by the Elysee after a phone call between President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Macron expressed support for a truce during the Paris Olympics this summer, with Russia ceasing operations and diplomatic negotiations being pursued.
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.
Israel conducted airstrikes in Rafah after instructing Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city where over a million war-displaced people are sheltering. Ceasefire talks in Cairo are stalling, and Hamas warns that any Israeli operation in Rafah could jeopardize the truce negotiations. The evacuation order has sparked fears of a full-blown assault, with Hamas declaring readiness to defend Palestinians in Rafah. The UN and aid agencies have expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the evacuation. Israel has been threatening to launch incursions in Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas fighters and hostages. The US has urged Israel to pursue a hostage deal to avoid a military operation in Rafah.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas demands to end the Gaza war in exchange for freeing hostages, stating that it would keep Hamas in power and pose a threat to Israel. Israel is willing to pause fighting to secure the release of over 130 hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu expressed concern that if Hamas remained in power, they would continue carrying out massacres, rapes, and kidnappings. Hamas leaders in Cairo maintained their demand for an agreement to end the war in Gaza. The war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel’s military offensive has led to the deaths of over 34,600 Palestinians and caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israeli ministers discussed a Gaza truce proposal to free hostages held by Hamas and the possibility of an army sweep in the southern tip of the enclave. Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas on a ceasefire offer presented by Egyptian mediators. One hostage, Dror Or, was confirmed killed in a Hamas attack, with his body held in Gaza. Ceasefire efforts in the past have stumbled over Hamas’ demand for a commitment from Israel to end the war. Israel is considering a push into Rafah, the last bastion of Hamas, which is home to around one million displaced Palestinians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over the lack of a plan for the safe evacuation of civilians from Rafah.
Hamas released a video showing two Israeli hostages, Keith Siegel and Omri Miran, who have been held in Gaza since an assault in October. Siegel, a dual U.S. citizen, was taken captive with his wife, who was later released. Miran was taken from his home in front of his family. The hostages ask to be released and express love for their families in the video. Israel condemned the video as psychological terrorism. During the Passover holiday, Siegel breaks down crying, expressing hope for a reunion with his family. The assault by Hamas led to the taking of around 250 hostages and the death of 1,200 people. Israel launched an assault on Gaza in response, resulting in almost 35,000 Palestinian deaths.
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The torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was lit in ancient Olympia in a traditional ceremony. The torch was lit by Greek actress Mary Mina using a backup flame due to cloudy skies. The torch relay will culminate with the lighting of the Olympic flame in Paris at the opening ceremony. Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as neutral athletes with no national flag or anthem. The torch relay began with Greece’s Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos passing the flame to France’s three-time Olympic medallist in swimming, Laure Manaudou. The French torch relay will last 68 days and end in Paris on July 26.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire until the hostages held in Gaza are released. Netanyahu made these comments at a cabinet meeting, as new truce talks in Egypt are set to start. Israel refuses to give in to demands from Hamas, who initiated the war with an attack on southern Israel on October 7.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing to shut down Qatari satellite television station Al Jazeera in Israel, with plans to ratify a law in parliament and take immediate action. Israel has accused the station of agitating against it among Arab viewers. Qatar’s involvement in Palestinian construction projects in Gaza has previously deterred Israeli action against Al Jazeera. Netanyahu has called on Qatar to apply pressure on Hamas amid ceasefire negotiations. Israeli officials have accused Al Jazeera of pro-Hamas incitement, leading to the shutting down of a different channel, Al Mayadeen, under emergency regulations.
Truce talks between Israel and Hamas were set to resume in Cairo, with negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Israel is considering a six-week suspension of its offensive in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Fighting has continued around Gaza City’s main hospital, Al Shifa, with conflicting reports on armed presence and casualties.