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Israeli Artillery Strikes Target Rafah’s Local Government Headquarters
Intensifying its bombardment of the southern Gaza city, the Israeli army’s artillery fire has struck the headquarters of the local government in Rafah.
Since the early hours of the morning, Israel has escalated its shelling of various areas within the southern Gaza Strip.
Amid mounting tensions, global leaders persist in cautioning Israel against launching a full-scale military operation on Rafah. Despite these warnings, senior Israeli officials have indicated that such an offensive is imminent.
Hamas Delegation Arrives in Cairo for Ceasefire Talks
A delegation from Hamas has landed in Cairo for crucial ceasefire discussions. Led by Khalil al-Hayya, the team arrived from Doha intending to advance negotiations.
According to a statement from the Palestinian group, the delegation’s mission in Cairo is to “follow up on efforts with the mediator brothers in Egypt and Qatar, to complete the agreement to stop the aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip.”
This move comes after Hamas negotiators departed Cairo last week, signalling an apparent halt to talks. However, the group surprised the world by announcing yesterday its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal facilitated by mediators from Qatar and Egypt.
Intense Israel Tank Shelling Grips Rafah as Residents Flee
Reports from Rafah indicate a harrowing escalation as residents witness heavy tank shelling across eastern neighbourhoods.
“They have gone crazy. Tanks are firing shells, and smoke bombs cover the skies over al-Salam and Jnaina neighbourhoods,” states Emad Joudat, 55, a displaced resident from Gaza City now in Rafah.
With tension mounting, Joudat contemplates fleeing northward, fearing the potential for a catastrophic turn of events. “If they move farther into Rafah, it will be the mother of massacres.”
Amidst the chaos, approximately 1.4 million people endure dire conditions in makeshift shelters, grappling with shortages of food, water, medicine, and other essentials.
Israel’s military asserts its actions as part of “a limited operation” aimed at targeting Palestinian fighters and dismantling Hamas infrastructure in Rafah. Civilians are urged to seek refuge in what Israel terms an “expanded humanitarian zone” located 20km (12 miles) away.
US Receives Assurance from Israel on Limited Operations in Rafah
In a press briefing, White House national security spokesman John Kirby confirmed that Israel has assured the US that its operations in Rafah will primarily target the blockade of weapons and financial support into Gaza.
Despite these assurances, the US has cautioned Israel against launching a full-scale assault on Rafah. Humanitarian groups warn of dire consequences for the displaced population there. However, Washington’s stance remains nuanced, with limited indications of altering its support for Israel’s broader military endeavours.
Israel’s Full Rafah Invasion: A ‘Humanitarian Nightmare’ Says UN Chief
A full-scale invasion of Rafah by Israeli forces would be “a strategic mistake, a political calamity, and a humanitarian nightmare”, the UN chief warns.
UN Chief Warns Against Full-Scale Invasion of Rafah by Israeli Forces
In a stark warning, the United Nations Secretary-General has cautioned against a potential full-scale invasion of Rafah by Israeli forces.
The situation in the region remains tense, and any escalation could have far-reaching consequences.
