Xi will address the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing on Thursday with heads of state from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Tunisia among the attendees. Watch to know more.

Arab summit in China | 10th ministerial conference: Xi Jinping to address  CASCF meet on 30th May

Israel's military has refuted claims that its forces were responsible for an attack in an evacuation area in west Rafah on Tuesday (May 28) that resulted in the killing of 21 people as per Gaza health authorities.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Israeli military also commented on the fire that broke out after the nighttime airstrikes in Rafah on a refugee camp on May 26 that reportedly killed 45 people.&nbsp;

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that a hidden weapons cache could have triggered the deadly fire on May 26.

It said that an airstrike targeted a nearby area using munitions that the IDF claimed were 'too small' to cause such extensive damage on their own.&nbsp;According to the IDF, the secondary explosion likely resulted from the stored weapons, leading to the fire that killed dozens of civilians, as per a Times of Israel report.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-temporarily-removes-gaza-aid-pier-for-repairs-following-structural-damage-726464">US military temporarily removes Gaza aid pier for repairs following structural damage</a>

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, addressed the incident in a press conference on Tuesday (May 28).&nbsp;

“Sadly, following the strike, due to unforeseen circumstances, a fire ignited, taking the lives of Gazan civilians nearby. Despite our efforts to minimise civilian casualties during the strike, the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended,” Hagari said.

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“The strike was conducted using two munitions with small warheads, suited for this targeted strike,” Hagari said, adding, “Our investigation seeks to determine what may have caused such a large fire to ignite. We are looking into all possibilities, including the possibility that weapons stored in a compound next to our target, which we did not know of, may have ignited as a result of the strike."&nbsp;

<h2>US says no change in policy&nbsp;</h2>

Reacting to the two deadly strikes, the Biden administration said that it is closely monitoring the probe into the incident. US Vice President Kamala Harris said, "The word tragic doesn't even begin to describe what happened on Sunday."

<section>
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However, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that there was no change in the US policy or military aid to Israel.
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The conflict has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry.&nbsp;Israel is aiming to dismantle the Hamas hideouts in Rafah and rescue hostages believed to be held in the area.

Israel's offensive began following an October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's military has refuted claims that its forces were responsible for an attack in an evacuation area in west Rafah on Tuesday (May 28) that resulted in the killing of 21 people as per Gaza health authorities.

Israel's military has refuted claims that its forces were responsible for an attack in an evacuation area in west Rafah on Tuesday (May 28) that resulted in the killing of 21 people as per Gaza health authorities. Meanwhile, the Israeli military also commented on the fire that broke out after the nighttime airstrikes in Rafah on a refugee camp on May 26 that reportedly killed 45 people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that a hidden weapons cache could have triggered the deadly fire on May 26. It said that an airstrike targeted a nearby area using munitions that the IDF claimed were 'too small' to cause such extensive damage on their own. According to the IDF, the secondary explosion likely resulted from the stored weapons, leading to the fire that killed dozens of civilians, as per a Times of Israel report. Also Read | US military temporarily removes Gaza aid pier for repairs following structural damage Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, addressed the incident in a press conference on Tuesday (May 28). “Sadly, following the strike, due to unforeseen circumstances, a fire ignited, taking the lives of Gazan civilians nearby. Despite our efforts to minimise civilian casualties during the strike, the fire that broke out was unexpected and unintended,” Hagari said. Also Read | Hong Kong arrests six for sedition under new security law “The strike was conducted using two munitions with small warheads, suited for this targeted strike,” Hagari said, adding, “Our investigation seeks to determine what may have caused such a large fire to ignite. We are looking into all possibilities, including the possibility that weapons stored in a compound next to our target, which we did not know of, may have ignited as a result of the strike." US says no change in policy Reacting to the two deadly strikes, the Biden administration said that it is closely monitoring the probe into the incident. US Vice President Kamala Harris said, "The word tragic doesn't even begin to describe what happened on Sunday." Watch | Gravitas: Russia escalates offensive in Kharkiv, Zelensky talks of peace × However, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that there was no change in the US policy or military aid to Israel. The conflict has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel is aiming to dismantle the Hamas hideouts in Rafah and rescue hostages believed to be held in the area. Israel's offensive began following an October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

IDF claims hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area

An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: UNSC calls emergency meeting on Tuesday

Amid Israel's Rafah offensive, Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah issued a big warning to Israel. The group's secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, warned Israel to be 'ready for surprises'. Is the group preparing for a surprise attack on Israel?

Gravitas: Is Hezbollah planning attack on Israel? Iran-backed group's big warning to Netanyahu govt

At least 21 people have been killed and dozens of others wounded in Israeli attacks on a tent camp housing displaced families in al-Mawasi, near Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: 21 killed in Israeli strikes on tent area in Rafah's al-Mawasi

A day after facing massive international censure over Sunday's strike in Rafah, Netanyahu has taken accountability. Delivering a speech in parliament, Netanyahu admitted that the strike went tragically wrong. Considering how he continues to defy international dictates as well as his closest ally, the U.S., what explains the change of heart? Was his regret genuine, or was it a result of international pressure finally getting to him?

Gravitas: Netanyahu regrets Rafah Strike | Is Israeli PM feeling the heat of international pressure?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's 'tragic mistake' in Rafah

The United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency meeting on May 28, following Israeli strike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah, Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Rafah strikes: Israel blames sharpnel for fire, 45 killed in strike

Israel war: 45 killed in Israeli strike included mostly women & children

Israel-Hamas War: UNSC calls emergency meeting after Israeli attack on Rafah

Israeli PM Netanyahu faced a wave of international condemnation Monday over a strike that Gaza officials said killed 45. Netanyahu said a deadly strike that hit a displacement camp in Gaza’s Rafah was a "tragic incident" which his government was “investigating”. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu faces backlash after Rafah strike kills 45

The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday (May 28). This comes after an Israeli strike killed dozens in a displaced persons camp in Rafah and as three European nations — Spain, Ireland, and Norway — are poised to officially recognise a Palestinian state.

Citing diplomats, AFP reports that the UN Security Council meeting was called by Algeria to address the Sunday incident.

<h2>Attack in Rafah claims 45 lives</h2>

The attack on Sunday night was aimed at killing two senior Hamas members. It ignited a fire in a displacement centre, killing 45 people, according to Gaza health officials.&nbsp;The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling it a "massacre". Israel has referred to it as a "tragic accident".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-crush-pro-palestinian-protests-after-returning-to-white-house-726207">Trump&nbsp;vows to crush pro-Palestinian protests after returning to White House</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his dismay, stating, "There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop."

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths described the attack as "utterly unacceptable".

"We've seen the consequences in last night's utterly unacceptable attack," he said in a statement.

"To call it 'a mistake' is a message that means nothing for those killed, those grieving, and those trying to save lives," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday (May 28). This comes after an Israeli strike killed dozens in a displaced persons camp in Rafah and as three European nations — Spain, Ireland, and Norway — are poised to officially recognise a Palestinian state.

The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday (May 28). This comes after an Israeli strike killed dozens in a displaced persons camp in Rafah and as three European nations — Spain, Ireland, and Norway — are poised to officially recognise a Palestinian state. Citing diplomats, AFP reports that the UN Security Council meeting was called by Algeria to address the Sunday incident. Attack in Rafah claims 45 lives The attack on Sunday night was aimed at killing two senior Hamas members. It ignited a fire in a displacement centre, killing 45 people, according to Gaza health officials. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling it a "massacre". Israel has referred to it as a "tragic accident". Also read | Trump vows to crush pro-Palestinian protests after returning to White House UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his dismay, stating, "There is no safe place in Gaza. This horror must stop." UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths described the attack as "utterly unacceptable". "We've seen the consequences in last night's utterly unacceptable attack," he said in a statement. "To call it 'a mistake' is a message that means nothing for those killed, those grieving, and those trying to save lives," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting over Israel attacks on Rafah

Clashes erupted on Sunday (May 26) between Jewish pilgrims and the police at a religious festival site in northern Israel. The location was closed to large gatherings this year due to rocket attacks from Lebanon&nbsp;following a deadly crowd crush that killed 45 people there three years ago.

The all-night sessions of prayers, mystical songs and dance had in previous years drawn crowds in the tens of thousands.

However, this year’s festival was cancelled since the site at Meron in the Galilee region has been targeted by rocket fire from Lebanon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-rafah-camp-for-displaced-people-kill-35-palestinians-gaza-health-ministry-725705">Israeli airstrikes on Rafah camp kill 35 Palestinians: Gaza health ministry</a>

It is worth mentioning that&nbsp;many northern Israeli towns have been evacuated since Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon began firing at them following Hamas’ Oct&nbsp;7 assault on southern Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.

Despite the closure, authorities turned away thousands of pilgrims over the weekend. However, hundreds managed to reach the site, leading to a tense situation. Police reported property damage and objects thrown at officers, resulting in injuries to 19 of them.

Israeli media reported that several people in the unauthorised crowd were hurt. At least one officer was suspended for pushing an older man to the ground, and police said it was examining other incidents from the site.

(With inputs from agencies)

Clashes erupted on Sunday (May 26) between Jewish pilgrims and the police at a religious festival site in northern Israel. The location was closed to large gatherings this year due to rocket attacks from Lebanon following a deadly crowd crush that killed 45 people there three years ago.

Clashes erupted on Sunday (May 26) between Jewish pilgrims and the police at a religious festival site in northern Israel. The location was closed to large gatherings this year due to rocket attacks from Lebanon following a deadly crowd crush that killed 45 people there three years ago. The all-night sessions of prayers, mystical songs and dance had in previous years drawn crowds in the tens of thousands. However, this year’s festival was cancelled since the site at Meron in the Galilee region has been targeted by rocket fire from Lebanon. Also read: Israeli airstrikes on Rafah camp kill 35 Palestinians: Gaza health ministry It is worth mentioning that many northern Israeli towns have been evacuated since Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon began firing at them following Hamas’ Oct 7 assault on southern Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza. Despite the closure, authorities turned away thousands of pilgrims over the weekend. However, hundreds managed to reach the site, leading to a tense situation. Police reported property damage and objects thrown at officers, resulting in injuries to 19 of them. Israeli media reported that several people in the unauthorised crowd were hurt. At least one officer was suspended for pushing an older man to the ground, and police said it was examining other incidents from the site. (With inputs from agencies)

Jewish pilgrims and police clash at restricted Mount Meron in Israel

Netanyahu is charged with attempting to instigate anarchy. A video purportedly featuring an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservist threatening to organize a coup if the Israeli government did not seek a "complete victory" over Hamas was shared online by the son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu faces allegations that he is trying to cause anarchy in Israel

The recent assault by Israel in Rafah, despite the ruling by the International Court of Justice and international calls to halt the offensive, has revealed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pattern of defiance and disregard for Palestinian lives. Experts are convinced that the Israeli Prime Minister is now solely driven by his political survival. The question is, at what cost? How long will Netanyahu be allowed to be reckless with Palestinian lives before peace is prioritized.

Gravitas: Netanyahu's reckless assault on Rafah turns it into 'hell on Earth'; World condemns Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday (May 27) called the deadly strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah a “tragic accident”. The strike on tent camps, according to the Gaza health ministry killed at least 45&nbsp;people and injured nearly 250 others.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Tragic accident’</h2>

“In Rafah, we evacuated a million uninvolved residents and, despite our best efforts, a tragic accident happened yesterday,” the Israeli PM told the parliament (Knesset), adding that they are investigating the case and will draw conclusions.&nbsp;

Israel faced a wave of international criticism and condemnation after the deadly strike in Rafah, but Netanyahu struck a defiant tone during his address while being heckled by relatives of hostages held in Gaza and vowed to keep up the ongoing military operation in the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-rafah-camp-for-displaced-people-kill-35-palestinians-gaza-health-ministry-725705">Death toll after Israeli strike on Rafah camp rises to 45: Gaza health ministry</a>

“There is no substitute for absolute victory,” said Netanyahu. The Israeli PM also denounced the pressure which his government has been facing since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

“They pressured us then…Don’t enter Gaza. We entered! Do not enter Shifa! We entered! Do not enter Khan Yunis! We entered! Do not enter Rafah! We entered!” said the Israeli PM listing the military operations which Israel carried out in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

He added, “I don’t give up and I won’t give up! I stand up to pressures from home and abroad.”

A survivor&nbsp;said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit the Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood where thousands were sheltering there after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah over two weeks ago.

“We were praying...and we were getting our children’s beds ready to sleep. There was nothing unusual, then we heard a very loud noise, and fire erupted around us,” Umm Mohamed Al-Attar, a Palestinian mother, told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Rafah strike sparks international criticism&nbsp;</h2>

In an interview with SkyTG24 TV, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza were no longer justifiable in one of the strongest criticisms Rome has made so far against Israel amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;

“There is an increasingly difficult situation, in which the Palestinian people are being squeezed without regard for the rights of innocent men, women and children who have nothing to do with Hamas and this can no longer be justified,” said Crosetto, adding,&nbsp;“We are watching the situation with despair.”&nbsp;

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was “horrified by news coming out of Rafah”. He added, “I condemn this in the strongest terms”. He also accused Netanyahu of using false claims of antisemitism against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his own political ends.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-soldier-killed-after-exchange-of-fire-with-israeli-forces-near-rafah-crossing-reports-725985">Egypt confirms soldier killed amid reports of firefight with Israeli troops on Gaza border</a>

Meanwhile, the African Union accused Israel of violating international law.&nbsp;

Israel “continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah,” said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat on X.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would do “everything possible” to hold “barbaric” Netanyahu accountable after the strikes in Rafah.&nbsp;

The United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk &nbsp;said that the images from the camp which was struck by Israel “are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths.”

The UN has also urged Israel to conduct a&nbsp;"thorough and transparent" investigation into a strike and "hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday (May 27) called the deadly strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah a “tragic accident”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday (May 27) called the deadly strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah a “tragic accident”. The strike on tent camps, according to the Gaza health ministry killed at least 45 people and injured nearly 250 others. ‘Tragic accident’ “In Rafah, we evacuated a million uninvolved residents and, despite our best efforts, a tragic accident happened yesterday,” the Israeli PM told the parliament (Knesset), adding that they are investigating the case and will draw conclusions. Israel faced a wave of international criticism and condemnation after the deadly strike in Rafah, but Netanyahu struck a defiant tone during his address while being heckled by relatives of hostages held in Gaza and vowed to keep up the ongoing military operation in the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas. Also Read | Death toll after Israeli strike on Rafah camp rises to 45: Gaza health ministry “There is no substitute for absolute victory,” said Netanyahu. The Israeli PM also denounced the pressure which his government has been facing since the beginning of the war. “They pressured us then…Don’t enter Gaza. We entered! Do not enter Shifa! We entered! Do not enter Khan Yunis! We entered! Do not enter Rafah! We entered!” said the Israeli PM listing the military operations which Israel carried out in the Palestinian enclave. He added, “I don’t give up and I won’t give up! I stand up to pressures from home and abroad.” A survivor said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit the Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood where thousands were sheltering there after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah over two weeks ago. “We were praying...and we were getting our children’s beds ready to sleep. There was nothing unusual, then we heard a very loud noise, and fire erupted around us,” Umm Mohamed Al-Attar, a Palestinian mother, told Reuters. Rafah strike sparks international criticism In an interview with SkyTG24 TV, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza were no longer justifiable in one of the strongest criticisms Rome has made so far against Israel amid the ongoing war. “There is an increasingly difficult situation, in which the Palestinian people are being squeezed without regard for the rights of innocent men, women and children who have nothing to do with Hamas and this can no longer be justified,” said Crosetto, adding, “We are watching the situation with despair.” European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was “horrified by news coming out of Rafah”. He added, “I condemn this in the strongest terms”. He also accused Netanyahu of using false claims of antisemitism against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his own political ends. Also Read | Egypt confirms soldier killed amid reports of firefight with Israeli troops on Gaza border Meanwhile, the African Union accused Israel of violating international law. Israel “continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah,” said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat on X. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would do “everything possible” to hold “barbaric” Netanyahu accountable after the strikes in Rafah. The United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said that the images from the camp which was struck by Israel “are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths.” The UN has also urged Israel to conduct a "thorough and transparent" investigation into a strike and "hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account." (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu calls deadly Israeli strike on Rafah ‘tragic accident’ amid international outcry

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli strikes on Rafah tent camp kills 45

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Israel's Rafah strike: At least 35 killed - Hamas fires rockets towards Tel Aviv - Papua New Guinea landslide: At least 670 killed - Macron in Germany: First visit by French President in 24 years

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The Israeli airstrike in Rafah tonight claimed the lives of two senior Hamas officials and the leader of the terror group's alleged West Bank headquarters. Hamas's West Bank headquarters is where its attacks against Israel are advanced from or within the West Bank.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF says Rafah strike killed 2 Hamas commanders responsible for West Bank terror attacks

Israel-Hamas War: 45 killed in Israeli strikes on Rafah tent camp

Son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video purporting to show a reservist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) threatening to stage a coup if the Israeli government did not pursue a "complete victory" over Hamas

Israel-Hamas war: Is Netanyahu plotting against his own ministers? | Video makes new revelation

For the first time in four months, Israel's financial hub saw sirens go off when Hamas fired missiles at Tel Aviv on Sunday, attempting to demonstrate its military might in defiance of Israel's Gaza offensive.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas fires missiles at Tel Aviv for first time months, prompting sirens for first time in months

Israeli air strikes killed at least 40 Palestinians and wounded dozens in an area in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah designated for the displaced, Palestinian health and civil emergency service officials said.

Israel attacks Rafah: Airstrike takes place in Tal Al-Sultan in Rafah's Northwest region

Israeli air strikes killed at least 35 Palestinians and wounded dozens in an area in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah designated for the displaced, Palestinian health and civil emergency service officials said.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli airstrikes kill at least 35 in Rafah, say Gaza authorities; Israel says struck Hamas commander

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