Israeli war Cabinet member Benny Gantz cites “promising early signs” on a new deal to release hostages held by Hamas militants.
Smoke rises during an Israeli ground operation in Khan Younis, as seen from a tent camp sheltering displaced Palestinians in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.
About 1.5 million people are estimated to be crammed into Rafah, on the southernmost fringe of the enclave close to the border with Egypt, most of them having fled their homes further north to escape Israel’s military onslaught.in the past two weeks, and a collapse in security has made it increasingly difficult to distribute the food that does get through, according to UN data and officials.
Mr Juma was holding Kinza’s body, wrapped in a bloodstained white shroud. “This one, who is on my lap, took my soul away... She is one-and-a-half years old,” he said.Local residents also said Israeli tanks had advanced west from Khan Younis into Al-Mawasi, previously an area of relative safety where the army had told Palestinians to seek shelter.Palestinians inspect the rubble of a house after an Israeli air strike on the Rafah refugee camp, in the southern Gaza Strip.
But Mr Gantz warned that if no new deal were struck, the Israeli military would keep fighting in Gaza even into the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins in March. During the sole pause in fighting so far, a week-long truce in late November, 110 hostages were freed in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.paused deliveries of food aid to northern Gaza
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US warns Israel of 'disaster' if it sends troops into Gaza's RafahIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered troops to “prepare to operate” in Rafah.
Read more »
Mediator says Gaza truce ‘not promising’ as Israel rejects calls to spare RafahPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said not going into Rafah would mean "losing the war".
Read more »
Israel to launch Rafah offensive unless hostages home by RamadanIsrael pledged that the military would facilitate the evacuation of Gazan civilians to minimise casualties.
Read more »
Israel asks World Court to reject request for Rafah emergency ordersIt says emergency measures issued 3 weeks ago already cover the situation in Gaza.
Read more »
Israel pounds Gaza ahead of UN ceasefire vote; more than 100 killed in 24 hoursA pause in fighting remains out of reach, as an Israeli assault on Rafah appears imminent.
Read more »