Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. 
 
As per reports, the IDF&nbsp;published a map marking some&nbsp;sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians,&nbsp;“Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.”

As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza.

Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-use-of-us-supplied-weapons-may-have-violated-international-law-says-washington-720237">Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law'</a>

<h2>Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona</h2>

Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations.

The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property.

As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out.

Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services.

The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city. Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. As per reports, the IDF published a map marking some sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians, “Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.” As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza. Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi. Also read: Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law' Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations. The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property. As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out. Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services. The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive

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Egypt: Hamas, Israel must be flexible | Rafah hospitals struggle amid bombings

Four Israeli soldiers were killed and several wounded as fierce battles raged across the Gaza Strip on Friday. Israeli tanks reportedly advanced on a main road dividing the eastern and western halves of southern Gaza’s Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Four Israeli soldiers killed in North Gaza, tanks advances into Rafah

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Senegal airport: Boeing 737 catches fire | Stormy Daniels finishes her testimony | WION Headlines

What we might know of Lebanon and what the ground reality is, might not be the same. WION gets you this ground report, to show the effects of war and life in Lebanon.

Hezbollah vs Israeli forces

On one hand, Israeli forces have begun a deadly offensive in southern Gaza, and on the other hand, Palestinians are showcasing their strength. Take a look.

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Just a day after US President Joe Biden issued his starkest warning yet against a full ground invasion in Rafah, Israel on Thursday (May 9) bombarded areas of the populous city.

This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Biden's threat to withhold weapons from his country if it assaults the Southern Gaza City.

<h2>Israel to proceed with its operation in Gaza</h2>

Late on Thursday, a senior Israeli official, as per Reuters, stated that indirect negotiations in Cairo aimed at ceasing hostilities had concluded without a ceasefire agreement. The country will now continue its military operations in Rafah and other areas, as per plan, he said.&nbsp;

Israel has communicated its reservations regarding Hamas's proposed terms for a hostage release, said the official.

In a video statement, Netanyahu emphasised Israel's resolve, stating, "If we need to ... we will stand alone. If we must, we shall fight with our fingernails."

"But we have much more than our fingernails," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-war-netanyahu-says-israel-ready-to-stand-alone-and-will-fight-with-fingernails-719873">Hamas war: Netanyahu says Israel ready to 'stand alone' and 'will fight with fingernails'</a>

The situation in Rafah worsened as Israeli forces launched attacks. In one airstrike on two homes in the Sabra neighbourhood, at least 12 people, including women and children, were killed.&nbsp;

Reuters reports that this includes a senior commander from the Al-Mujahedeen Brigades and his family. As per the group, the family of another group leader, medics, and relatives were also killed in the strike.

Another attack near a mosque killed at least three people and wounded several others.

Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad said their fighters responded by targeting Israeli tanks with anti-tank rockets and mortars on the eastern outskirts of the city.&nbsp;

Rafah is the biggest urban area in Gaza, not yet overrun by Israeli forces. Due to this, it has become the refuge for displaced Gazans from other bombarded areas with its population swelling to hundreds of thousands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-and-israel-teams-leave-egypt-amid-ongoing-mediation-efforts-719808">Gaza war: Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt amid 'ongoing' mediation efforts</a>

<h2>In the US</h2>

The White House reiterated its position that a full-scale military operation in Rafah would not help Israel achieve its strategic goals.

US spokesperson John Kirby emphasised the significant pressure already on Hamas and suggested other strategies to target the group's leadership that would pose less risk to civilians.

"Smashing into Rafah, in [President Biden's] view, will not advance," Israel's aim of defeating the Hamas, he said.

The conflict has already caused substantial casualties, with Gaza's health ministry reporting nearly 35,000 deaths and around 80,000 injuries, mostly among civilians.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Just a day after US President Joe Biden issued his starkest warning yet against a full ground invasion in Rafah, Israel on Thursday (May 9) bombarded areas of the populous city.

Just a day after US President Joe Biden issued his starkest warning yet against a full ground invasion in Rafah, Israel on Thursday (May 9) bombarded areas of the populous city. This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Biden's threat to withhold weapons from his country if it assaults the Southern Gaza City. Israel to proceed with its operation in Gaza Late on Thursday, a senior Israeli official, as per Reuters, stated that indirect negotiations in Cairo aimed at ceasing hostilities had concluded without a ceasefire agreement. The country will now continue its military operations in Rafah and other areas, as per plan, he said. Israel has communicated its reservations regarding Hamas's proposed terms for a hostage release, said the official. In a video statement, Netanyahu emphasised Israel's resolve, stating, "If we need to ... we will stand alone. If we must, we shall fight with our fingernails." "But we have much more than our fingernails," he added. Also read | Hamas war: Netanyahu says Israel ready to 'stand alone' and 'will fight with fingernails' The situation in Rafah worsened as Israeli forces launched attacks. In one airstrike on two homes in the Sabra neighbourhood, at least 12 people, including women and children, were killed. Reuters reports that this includes a senior commander from the Al-Mujahedeen Brigades and his family. As per the group, the family of another group leader, medics, and relatives were also killed in the strike. Another attack near a mosque killed at least three people and wounded several others. Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad said their fighters responded by targeting Israeli tanks with anti-tank rockets and mortars on the eastern outskirts of the city. Rafah is the biggest urban area in Gaza, not yet overrun by Israeli forces. Due to this, it has become the refuge for displaced Gazans from other bombarded areas with its population swelling to hundreds of thousands. Also read | Gaza war: Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt amid 'ongoing' mediation efforts In the US The White House reiterated its position that a full-scale military operation in Rafah would not help Israel achieve its strategic goals. US spokesperson John Kirby emphasised the significant pressure already on Hamas and suggested other strategies to target the group's leadership that would pose less risk to civilians. "Smashing into Rafah, in [President Biden's] view, will not advance," Israel's aim of defeating the Hamas, he said. The conflict has already caused substantial casualties, with Gaza's health ministry reporting nearly 35,000 deaths and around 80,000 injuries, mostly among civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Despite Biden's warning, Israel continues its invasion of Rafah, kills over 15 in airstrikes

The rift between US President and Israeli Prime Minister is growing by the hour. In a first since October 7, Biden administration has blocked a deadly arms shipment to Israeli forces. IDF says it owns enough weapons for Rafah incursion.

Israel-Hamas War: 'Enough arms for Rafah mission'

After US President Biden threatened to cut off arms supply to Israel if it invades Rafah city of Gaza, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his 'country is prepared to stand alone'.

After Joe Biden's arms supply cut warning, Netanayhu says 'Israel is ready to stand alone'

Israel defiant despite US threat over Rafah; Netanyahu says, 'Israel is ready to stand alone'

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Israel hits Rafah despite US warnings | Netanyahu says, 'Israel will stand alone'

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu says Israel ready to stand alone

The US has long been by far the largest arms supplier to its closest Middle East ally, followed by Germany. Two countries, Canada and the Netherlands, have halted arms shipments to Israel this year over concern they could be used in ways violating international humanitarian law. Watch in the report to know more details of Israel's weapons suppliers.

Israel-Hamas War: Who are Israel's main weapons suppliers?

Israel-Hamas War: Who supplies most weapons to Israel?

Billions of dollars worth of US weaponry remains in the pipeline for Israel, despite the delay of one shipment of bombs and a review of others by US President Joe Biden’s administration. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel to get US weapons despite shipment delay?

Hamas on Thursday called for an end to airdrops of aid after two Palestinians were killed in northern Gaza when a aid pallet crashed into a warehouse after its parachute failed to open. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Aid air drops are 'real danger' says Hamas after 2 killed in Gaza

Israel defiant despite US threat over Rafah

The US delayed a weapon supply to Israel last week after it failed to answer Washington's concerns about plans to assault Rafah in southern Gaza, a senior US official said Tuesday. Watch to know more.

Israel war: Biden threatens Israel of weapons & artillery shells supply cut

Thousands of pro-Palestine activists rallied in Malmo, Sweden, on Thursday against Israel's participation in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Watch to know more.

How is Gaza war shaping US politics?

Donald Trump accused presidential challenger Joe Biden of collaborating with Hamas on Thursday when he threatened to halt providing US weaponry to Israel as it waged war against the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, calling the president's attitude "disgraceful." Watch the video to know more.

Totally abandoned Israel': Trump accuses Biden of siding with Hamas

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on Thursday that the UK will not follow the US in warning Israel that it would block deliveries of armaments capable of being used in an assault on the Gaza city of Rafah.

UK's Cameron calls for Israel to produce 'clear plan' for Rafah

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