US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended a decision to pause a delivery to Israel of 3,500 bombs over concerns they could be used in the Gazan city of Rafah, saying Israel lacked a “credible plan” to protect civilians sheltering there. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Antony Blinken says Israel 'lacks credible plan' to protect civilians

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (May 11) said that a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if the Palestinian militant group released the hostages it held captive following its Oct 7 assault.

"There would be a ceasefire tomorrow if Hamas would release the hostages," Biden said at a fundraiser outside Seattle, at the home of a former Microsoft executive, after avoiding the topic at three similar events on Friday.

"Israel said it's up to Hamas, if they wanted to do it, we could end it tomorrow. And the ceasefire would begin tomorrow," Biden said while addressing the crowd of about 100 people.

The US president's remarks came after he issued a warning to Israel stating that he would not supply weapons, including artillery shells if its forces attack the city of Rafah.

"If they go into Rafah, I'm not supplying the weapons that have been used... to deal with the cities," Biden said in a televised interview with CNN.

"We're not gonna supply the weapons and the artillery shells that have been used."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-evacuation-orders-for-people-in-more-areas-of-gazas-rafah-720367">Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive</a>

<h2>Israel hits parts of Gaza as more evacuations ordered in Rafah</h2>

This also comes as Israel on Saturday hit several parts of Gaza including Rafah where it had ordered more evacuations earlier in the day.

As per news agency AFP, at least 21 people were killed during strikes in central Gaza and taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. While, in Rafah, there were intense air strikes near the crossing with Egypt.

WATCH |&nbsp;US: Biden Administration acknowledges possible Israeli weapons misuse in report to Congress

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&nbsp;

The strikes came after the Israeli military on Tuesday (May 7) seized and closed the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing -- through which all fuel passes into Gaza -- after ordering residents of eastern Rafah to evacuate.

On Saturday, the military said that troops were fighting "armed terrorists" at the crossing and had found "numerous underground tunnel shafts."&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas releases video showing hostage</h2>

Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, on Saturday (May 11) released a video showing a man held hostage in Gaza. The man can be seen alive in the 11-second footage. The video is superimposed with text in Arabic and Hebrew that reads: "Time is running out. Your government is lying."

The man in the video is believed to be Nadav Poplewell, a UK national, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim. Hamas said, "he died of wounds that he sustained in an Israeli air strike more than a month ago."

The 51-year-old hostage was kidnapped along with his mother Channa Peri, who was released in a hostage-sharing agreement in November last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (May 11) said that a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if the Palestinian militant group released the hostages it held captive following its Oct 7 assault.

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (May 11) said that a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if the Palestinian militant group released the hostages it held captive following its Oct 7 assault. "There would be a ceasefire tomorrow if Hamas would release the hostages," Biden said at a fundraiser outside Seattle, at the home of a former Microsoft executive, after avoiding the topic at three similar events on Friday. "Israel said it's up to Hamas, if they wanted to do it, we could end it tomorrow. And the ceasefire would begin tomorrow," Biden said while addressing the crowd of about 100 people. The US president's remarks came after he issued a warning to Israel stating that he would not supply weapons, including artillery shells if its forces attack the city of Rafah. "If they go into Rafah, I'm not supplying the weapons that have been used... to deal with the cities," Biden said in a televised interview with CNN. "We're not gonna supply the weapons and the artillery shells that have been used." Also read: Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive Israel hits parts of Gaza as more evacuations ordered in Rafah This also comes as Israel on Saturday hit several parts of Gaza including Rafah where it had ordered more evacuations earlier in the day. As per news agency AFP, at least 21 people were killed during strikes in central Gaza and taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. While, in Rafah, there were intense air strikes near the crossing with Egypt. WATCH | US: Biden Administration acknowledges possible Israeli weapons misuse in report to Congress × The strikes came after the Israeli military on Tuesday (May 7) seized and closed the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing -- through which all fuel passes into Gaza -- after ordering residents of eastern Rafah to evacuate. On Saturday, the military said that troops were fighting "armed terrorists" at the crossing and had found "numerous underground tunnel shafts." Hamas releases video showing hostage Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, on Saturday (May 11) released a video showing a man held hostage in Gaza. The man can be seen alive in the 11-second footage. The video is superimposed with text in Arabic and Hebrew that reads: "Time is running out. Your government is lying." The man in the video is believed to be Nadav Poplewell, a UK national, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim. Hamas said, "he died of wounds that he sustained in an Israeli air strike more than a month ago." The 51-year-old hostage was kidnapped along with his mother Channa Peri, who was released in a hostage-sharing agreement in November last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden says Gaza ceasefire possible as soon as 'tomorrow' if Hamas releases hostages

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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Putin reappoints Mishustin as PM | Rafah hospitals struggle amid bombings

Around hundred people gathered at a pro-Israeli protest in Malmo. The event is taking place amid protests and boycotts over the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

Eurovision song contest 2024: Israel qualifies for finale

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday (May 8) that he would stop US weapons supplies to Israel if it attacks Rafah in southern Gaza, in his most direct warning so far amid the war against Hamas that has led to massive humanitarian crisis in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

Biden's fresh warning came after the United States recently halted a shipment of American bombs to Israel amid the looming prospect of a full-fledged Israeli invasion of Rafah where about two million Palestinians are currently living under tents after being displaced due to war elsewhere in Gaza.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-updates-au-criticises-israel-incursion-into-rafah-israel-reopens-key-kerem-shalom-border-crossing-719349">Gaza war updates: 30 Hamas militants killed in Israel’s Rafah operation, says IDF</a>

"If they go into Rafah, I'm not supplying the weapons that have been used… to deal with the cities," Biden said in an interview with CNN. "We're not gonna supply the weapons and the artillery shells that have been used."

Also watch |&nbsp;US pauses bomb shipment to Israel over Rafah concerns

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Hours after Biden's comment, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations said that US president's threat to stop certain arms supplies to Israel "very disappointing".

"This is a difficult and very disappointing statement to hear from a president to whom we have been grateful since the beginning of the war," Gilad Erdan told Israeli public broadcaster Kan radio, in Israel's first reaction to Biden's warning

Sources cited by the US media say that Biden was forced to speak as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear he would go ahead with an assault on Rafah.

The Biden administration recently paused delivery&nbsp;of 1,800 2,000-pound (907 kilogrammes) bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs.

"Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs," Biden said. "It's just wrong."

Biden, however, pointed out that the US is not shifting too far from Israel.

"We are not walking away from Israel's security," Biden insisted in the CNN interview. "We're walking away from Israel's ability to wage war in those areas."

<h2>What next?</h2>

Israel has already launched a limited invasion of Rafah after taking over a key crossing point and overnight bombardments over purported Hamas targets. Even if the pause in US shipments happens, Israel would still be left with&nbsp;a significant weapons stockpile.&nbsp;

At least 34,789 Palestinians have so far been killed in Israel’s ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip since October last year, Gaza’s Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday (May 8) that he would stop US weapons supplies to Israel if it attacks Rafah in southern Gaza, in his most direct warning so far amid the war against Hamas that has led to massive humanitarian crisis in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday (May 8) that he would stop US weapons supplies to Israel if it attacks Rafah in southern Gaza, in his most direct warning so far amid the war against Hamas that has led to massive humanitarian crisis in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Biden's fresh warning came after the United States recently halted a shipment of American bombs to Israel amid the looming prospect of a full-fledged Israeli invasion of Rafah where about two million Palestinians are currently living under tents after being displaced due to war elsewhere in Gaza. Also read | Gaza war updates: 30 Hamas militants killed in Israel’s Rafah operation, says IDF "If they go into Rafah, I'm not supplying the weapons that have been used… to deal with the cities," Biden said in an interview with CNN. "We're not gonna supply the weapons and the artillery shells that have been used." Also watch | US pauses bomb shipment to Israel over Rafah concerns × Hours after Biden's comment, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations said that US president's threat to stop certain arms supplies to Israel "very disappointing". "This is a difficult and very disappointing statement to hear from a president to whom we have been grateful since the beginning of the war," Gilad Erdan told Israeli public broadcaster Kan radio, in Israel's first reaction to Biden's warning Sources cited by the US media say that Biden was forced to speak as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear he would go ahead with an assault on Rafah. The Biden administration recently paused delivery of 1,800 2,000-pound (907 kilogrammes) bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs. "Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs," Biden said. "It's just wrong." Biden, however, pointed out that the US is not shifting too far from Israel. "We are not walking away from Israel's security," Biden insisted in the CNN interview. "We're walking away from Israel's ability to wage war in those areas." What next? Israel has already launched a limited invasion of Rafah after taking over a key crossing point and overnight bombardments over purported Hamas targets. Even if the pause in US shipments happens, Israel would still be left with a significant weapons stockpile. At least 34,789 Palestinians have so far been killed in Israel’s ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip since October last year, Gaza’s Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel reacts to Biden's most direct warning against full blown Rafah invasion

Danny Carmon, former Israeli ambassador to India, shares insights with WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen during their conversation.

Former Israeli Ambassador Danny Carmon speaks to WION, says 'Rafah can wait, hostages can't'

After the collapse of the ceasefire agreement that Hamas had previously agreed to, further negotiations are scheduled to begin in Cairo on Wednesday (May 8). Representatives from Hamas and the Israeli delegation have arrived in the Egyptian capital.

Meanwhile, Israel continues to strike Rafah and the Gaza Strip. The UN secretary-general warned that an Israeli attack on Rafah would be 'a strategic mistake, a political calamity, and a humanitarian nightmare'.

Here's a look at the latest updates:

<h2>IDF says&nbsp;30 Hamas militants killed in eastern Rafah operation</h2>

About 30 Hamas militants were killed in eastern Rafah as a result of an operation carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Israeli military said as reported by i24news.&nbsp;

<h2>WHO says&nbsp;South Gaza's health services have only 3 days of fuel left</h2>

The World Health Organization reported on Wednesday that there is only enough fuel to run health services in Gaza's south for three more days. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought safety in Gaza's south. According to the WHO, a delivery of fuel to the area had been denied on Wednesday.

"WHO has pre-positioned in some supplies in warehouses and hospitals, but without more aid flowing into Gaza, we cannot sustain our life saving support to hospitals," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He added that WHO will coninue to provide health services in the area.

<h2>Top foreign officials&nbsp;denounce&nbsp;Israel's military operation in eastern Rafah.</h2>

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X, “One million people cannot vanish into thin air. They need protection. They urgently need more humanitarian aid. To this end, the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings must be reopened immediately.”

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday that "Australia has been clear about our objections to a major Israeli ground offensive into Rafah, and we have reiterated this to Israel again today."

"The impact&nbsp;on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating," she added.

Qatar also condemned "in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation forces' bombardment of the Rafah governorate, invasion of the land crossing and threat to displace citizens from shelter and housing centres."

In a post on X, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it "strongly condemns" both the Israeli military's "control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing" and the "attack" on Rafah.

On Tuesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov called the situation in Rafah as a "humanitarian disaster," as reported by TASS.

<h2>Roughly 50,000 people fled Rafah in the last 48 hours, says UNRWA official</h2>

According to a top official at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), "roughly 50,000 people" have fled the southern Gazan city of Rafah in the previous 48 hours as a result of Israel's evacuation order.&nbsp;

“We tracked roughly 50,000 people departing Rafah in the last 48 hours. We've seen them go to Khan Younis, some have gone to the expanded humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi, others have gone to Deir al-Balah,” the senior deputy director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, Scott Anderson, told CNN.

Residents of eastern Rafah started to leave on Monday after the Israeli military gave the order to "evacuate immediately" as it launched a military operation in the region.&nbsp;

“We think as the UN that people should choose where they want to go and we will provide aid to them wherever they decide to seek shelter with their families,” he added.

<h2>Police clear&nbsp;encampment from&nbsp;George Washington University,&nbsp;over 30 students arrested</h2>

Shortly after hundreds of demonstrators left the area and marched to the university's president Ellen Granberg's house, US police started clearing up a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

According to local media reports, about 30 individuals were arrested when police pepper sprayed several demonstrators as they tried to enter the encampment.&nbsp;

The university's independent student-run newspaper, GW Hatchet, reported "at about 3.30am (10:30 GMT), officers gave demonstrators their third and final warning to move, saying all who remained... in front of the plaza would be arrested."

<h2>African Union&nbsp;criticises&nbsp;Israel's military incursion into Rafah</h2>

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The African Union&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;Israel's military incursion into Rafah in southern Gaza on Wednesday, urging the international community to put an end to "this deadly escalation" of the war.

AU Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat "firmly condemns the extension of this war to the Rafah crossing," a statement read. The statement came after Israeli tanks seized a vital passage for humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.

He "expresses his extreme concern at the war undertaken by Israel in Gaza which results, at every moment, in massive deaths and systematic destruction of the conditions of human life," the statement read. "He calls on the entire international community to effectively coordinate collective action to stop this deadly escalation," it added.

<h2>Israel reopens vital Kerem Shalom border crossing for Gaza humanitarian aid</h2>

Israel announced on Wednesday (May 8) that it has reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing for humanitarian supplies to Gaza, four days after closing it in response to a missile strike that killed four military personnel.

According to the Israeli military, Egyptian lorries carrying food, water, and medication have arrived at the border. The UN raised concern on Tuesday over Israel's "choking off" of Gaza's two main aid arteries.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was "disturbed and distressed" by Israel's move. 
 
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)

After the collapse of the ceasefire agreement that Hamas had previously agreed to, further negotiations are scheduled to begin in Cairo on Wednesday (May 8). Representatives from Hamas and the Israeli delegation have arrived in the Egyptian capital.

After the collapse of the ceasefire agreement that Hamas had previously agreed to, further negotiations are scheduled to begin in Cairo on Wednesday (May 8). Representatives from Hamas and the Israeli delegation have arrived in the Egyptian capital. Meanwhile, Israel continues to strike Rafah and the Gaza Strip. The UN secretary-general warned that an Israeli attack on Rafah would be 'a strategic mistake, a political calamity, and a humanitarian nightmare'. Here's a look at the latest updates: IDF says 30 Hamas militants killed in eastern Rafah operation About 30 Hamas militants were killed in eastern Rafah as a result of an operation carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Israeli military said as reported by i24news. WHO says South Gaza's health services have only 3 days of fuel left The World Health Organization reported on Wednesday that there is only enough fuel to run health services in Gaza's south for three more days. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought safety in Gaza's south. According to the WHO, a delivery of fuel to the area had been denied on Wednesday. "WHO has pre-positioned in some supplies in warehouses and hospitals, but without more aid flowing into Gaza, we cannot sustain our life saving support to hospitals," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He added that WHO will coninue to provide health services in the area. Top foreign officials denounce Israel's military operation in eastern Rafah. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on X, “One million people cannot vanish into thin air. They need protection. They urgently need more humanitarian aid. To this end, the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings must be reopened immediately.” Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday that "Australia has been clear about our objections to a major Israeli ground offensive into Rafah, and we have reiterated this to Israel again today." "The impact on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating," she added. Qatar also condemned "in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation forces' bombardment of the Rafah governorate, invasion of the land crossing and threat to displace citizens from shelter and housing centres." In a post on X, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it "strongly condemns" both the Israeli military's "control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing" and the "attack" on Rafah. On Tuesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov called the situation in Rafah as a "humanitarian disaster," as reported by TASS. Roughly 50,000 people fled Rafah in the last 48 hours, says UNRWA official According to a top official at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), "roughly 50,000 people" have fled the southern Gazan city of Rafah in the previous 48 hours as a result of Israel's evacuation order. “We tracked roughly 50,000 people departing Rafah in the last 48 hours. We've seen them go to Khan Younis, some have gone to the expanded humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi, others have gone to Deir al-Balah,” the senior deputy director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, Scott Anderson, told CNN. Residents of eastern Rafah started to leave on Monday after the Israeli military gave the order to "evacuate immediately" as it launched a military operation in the region. “We think as the UN that people should choose where they want to go and we will provide aid to them wherever they decide to seek shelter with their families,” he added. Police clear encampment from George Washington University, over 30 students arrested Shortly after hundreds of demonstrators left the area and marched to the university's president Ellen Granberg's house, US police started clearing up a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University in Washington, DC. According to local media reports, about 30 individuals were arrested when police pepper sprayed several demonstrators as they tried to enter the encampment. The university's independent student-run newspaper, GW Hatchet, reported "at about 3.30am (10:30 GMT), officers gave demonstrators their third and final warning to move, saying all who remained... in front of the plaza would be arrested." African Union criticises Israel's military incursion into Rafah The African Union criticised Israel's military incursion into Rafah in southern Gaza on Wednesday, urging the international community to put an end to "this deadly escalation" of the war. AU Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat "firmly condemns the extension of this war to the Rafah crossing," a statement read. The statement came after Israeli tanks seized a vital passage for humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory. He "expresses his extreme concern at the war undertaken by Israel in Gaza which results, at every moment, in massive deaths and systematic destruction of the conditions of human life," the statement read. "He calls on the entire international community to effectively coordinate collective action to stop this deadly escalation," it added. Israel reopens vital Kerem Shalom border crossing for Gaza humanitarian aid Israel announced on Wednesday (May 8) that it has reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing for humanitarian supplies to Gaza, four days after closing it in response to a missile strike that killed four military personnel. According to the Israeli military, Egyptian lorries carrying food, water, and medication have arrived at the border. The UN raised concern on Tuesday over Israel's "choking off" of Gaza's two main aid arteries. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was "disturbed and distressed" by Israel's move. 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)

Gaza war updates: 30 Hamas militants killed in Israel’s Rafah operation, says IDF

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo - Students protests spread to Europe - Patients and medics flee major Rafah hospital - Trump documents trial postponed - China appoints new envoy to India

Trump Documents trial postponed | China appoints new envoy to India

In another effort to forge a hostage release and Truce in the seven-month war delegations from Hamas and Israel are back at the negotiation table in Cairo. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, said the Israeli military’s operations in Rafah will "continue and expand as necessary". Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu calls seizing Rafah crossing an important step

The United States has halted the delivery of bombs to Israel due to concerns that it was planning to launch a full-scale attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Israel-Hamas war: US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel over Rafah concerns

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli troops, tanks take control of Gazan side of Rafah crossing

Israel-Hamas war: US halts bomb shipment to Israel, move comes amid Israeli strikes on Rafah

Militant group Hamas accepted a proposal for a truce to put forward by mediators Qatar & Egypt in the seven-month-old war in Gaza. This developments comes as Israel renewed an order for civilians in Rafah to evacuate ahead of a long threatened invasion of the city. The Proposal includes three phases of ceasefire each lasting for 42 days. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: UN Chief warns invasion of Rafah will be 'intolerable'

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli strikes on Rafah kill at least 22 - Indian markets open higher - Xi Jinping arrives in France - Saudi Prince likely to visit Pakistan - No pressure can stop US, says Israel PM Netanyahu - Brazil flooding kills at least 28

Brazil flooding kills at least 78 | IDF calls on civilians to evacuate Rafah

Hopes for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip are dimming but a fresh round of negotiations will take place in Qatar on Monday (May 6). Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Bill Burns headed to Qatar's capital Doha for "emergency" discussions on mediation in the war.

Hopes for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip are dimming but a fresh round of negotiations will take place in Qatar on Monday (May 6). Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Bill Burns headed to Qatar's capital Doha for "emergency" discussions on mediation in the war. Burns would continue to stay in Doha as the truce talks drag on and will head to Israel by Tuesday for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A Hamas official, meanwhile, said that the group's delegation for truce talks was headed to Doha for consultations. On Sunday, the ceasefire talks in Egypt's Cairo failed to produce a breakthrough. Hamas reiterated that it would not accept a truce that did not completely end the war, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "personally hindering" a deal. Also read: Israel shuts key border crossing for aid trucks as Hamas fires rockets Prime Minister Netanyahu, meanwhile, hardened his rejection of Hamas' demands for an end to the Gaza war in exchange for the freeing of hostages, saying on Sunday that would keep the Palestinian militant group in power and pose a threat to Israel. These developments came as 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip's Rafah city. The airstrikes came hours after Hamas claimed responsibility for a rocket attack near Rafah which Israeli said killed three IDF soldiers and injured 11 more. Also read | Dozens of Jewish sites receive disturbing bomb threat emails in NYC, says report The conflict between Israel and Hamas started in October last year after Hamas launched an assault in southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 252 taken hostage. Israel responded by striking back hard at the Gaza Strip, killing more than 34,000 people. With the outcome of Monday's truce talks unknown, here's a look at the latest updates: US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone on Monday evening, according to Israeli media. The conversation reportedly lasted half an hour. Gaza officials said Israeli jets have targeted at least two areas in Rafah that the IDF had ordered to be evacuated. "The areas targeted by the Israeli occupation are near the perimeter of Gaza International Airport, the Al-Shuka area, the Abu Halawa area, the Salaheddin street area and the Salam neighbourhood," Gaza civil defence agency spokesman Ahmed Ridwan was quoted as saying by AFP. Another aid official confirmed the strikes. Egypt has reportedly raised its military’s level of preparedness in northern Sinai, which borders the Gaza Strip. EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell on Monday urged Israel to “renounce” the idea of invading Rafah. In a post on social media, he called on both sides to implement UN security council resolution 2728, which demanded “an immediate ceasefire … by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire” and also called for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and “the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale”. Hezbollah said it fired "dozens of Katyusha rockets" at an Israeli base in the occupied Golan Heights on Monday in retaliation for a strike in Lebanon's east. Hezbollah fighters launched "dozens of Katyusha rockets" targeting "the headquarters of the Golan Division... at Nafah base", the group said in a statement. The Israeli military on Monday began evacuating Palestinian civilians from eastern Rafah ahead of a threatened assault on the southern Gazan city. The military said that around 100,000 people were being evacuated. According to local media reports, the evacuations were now focused on a few peripheral districts of Rafah from which evacuees would be directed to tent cities in nearby Khan Younis and Al Muwassi. The military said that the east Rafah evacuation was a "limited scope operation," as it began to drop flyers, send text messages, and make phone calls to Palestinians with instructions on the zones that needed to be evacuated, and which routes to take to a designated humanitarian zone. Hamas called the evacuation plan a “dangerous escalation that will have consequences.” At least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip's Rafah, AFP reported on Monday citing medics and first responders. The airstrikes came hours after Hamas claimed responsibility for a rocket attack near Rafah which Israeli said killed three Israeli soldiers and injured 11 more. The Israeli military confirmed the counter-strike, saying it struck the launcher from which the Hamas projectiles were fired, as well as a nearby "military structure." The military said 10 projectiles were launched from Rafah in southern Gaza towards the area of Kerem Shalom, which it said was now closed. 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. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Families of hostages rally again in Tel Aviv (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Biden speaks to Netanyahu as Israeli jets strike two Rafah areas, 10 key points

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli strikes on Rafah kill at least 22 - Xi Jinping arrives in France - Russia holds rehearsal for victory day parade - No pressure can stop US, says Israel PM Netanyahu - Brazil flooding kills at least 28

Russia holds rehearsal for victory parade | Brazil flooding kills at least 78

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's retaliatory strike hits Gaza's southern city of Rafah. The war in Gaza is showing no signs of stopping hours after Hamas Rockets killed three IDF soldiers, Israel retaliated by striking Gaza's Southernmost city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli retaliates after Hamas kills 3 soldiers

Sixteen people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip's Rafah city, the news agency AFP reported early Monday (May 6), citing medics and first responders.

Sixteen people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip's Rafah city, the news agency AFP reported early Monday (May 6), citing medics and first responders. "The toll of martyrs in Rafah reached 16," emergency first responders told AFP, adding that seven people from one family and nine from another family were killed in the Israeli attacks. Medical sources, meanwhile, confirmed two strikes they said took place at two different locations around Rafah. 'Three Israeli soldiers killed in Hamas attack' The airstrikes came hours after Hamas claimed responsibility for a rocket attack near Rafah which Israel said killed three of its soldiers and injured 11 more. Hamas' armed wing said it fired rockets at an Israeli army base by the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza. Also read | Israel cabinet votes to shut down Al Jazeera offices in country; Hamas reacts The Israeli military confirmed the counter-strike, saying it struck the launcher from which the Hamas projectiles were fired, as well as a nearby "military structure." The military said 10 projectiles were launched from Rafah in southern Gaza towards the area of Kerem Shalom, which it said was now closed for aid trucks going into the coastal enclave. Other crossings remained open. "The launches carried out by Hamas adjacent to the Rafah Crossing ... are a clear example of the terrorist organisation's systematic exploitation of humanitarian facilities and spaces and their continued use of the Gazan civilian population as human shields," the military added. Hamas delegation to be in Qatar for truce talks Sunday's attacks came as hopes dimmed for ceasefire talks between the warring factions. A Hamas official said that the group's delegation for Gaza truce talks in Cairo was leaving for "consultations" in Qatar after public disagreement with Israel intensified over demands to end their seven-month war. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × The official, who chose to remain anonymous, told AFP that "the meeting with the Egyptian intelligence minister has ended and the Hamas delegation is leaving for Doha for further consultations." Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "surrendering" to a demand to end the war would amount to defeat. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: 16 killed in Israeli airstrikes in Rafah following rocket attack by Hamas

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli strikes on Rafah kill at least 22 - Xi Jinping arrives in France - No pressure can stop us: Israeli PM - Brazil flooding kills at least 28

Israeli strikes on Rafah kill at least 22 | Xi Jinping arrives in France

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in Eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strip's Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. The order comes after a night of intense Israeli bombardment on Rafah. Hours after Hamas rockets killed three IDF soldiers. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Israel urges Gazans to move to expanded humanitarian area

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in Eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strip's Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. The order comes after a night of intense Israeli bombardment on Rafah. Hours after hamas rockets killed three IDF soldiers. What will be the implications of this latest flare-up? Sergej Sumlenny, Defense Expert and Director of the European Resilience Initiative Center, joins us to discuss.

Israel tells Gazans to leave Eastern Rafah

The Israeli Army has called on Gazans living in eastern Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in Gaza strips Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel tells Gazans to leave eastern Rafah

In response to a hostage negotiation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was informed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would not accept an end to the Gaza War. Watch to know more.

US Secretary of State Blinken holds talks with PM Netanyahu, PM says, 'will go ahead with Rafah ops'

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Columbia protests: NYPD enters Hamilton hall - Netanyahu vows to raid Rafah - Poll: 58% Israelis want Netanyahu to quit - Blinken in Israel to push for truce

Netanyahu vows to raid Rafah | 58% Israelis want Netanyahu to quit, says poll

Far-right allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are raising pressure on the embattled leader to reject a new Gaza ceasefire, jeopardising his government's stability if he backs away from an assault on Hamas in Rafah.

Israel-hamas war: Netanyahu faces political dilemma: Gaza truce or Rafah assault?

A statement issued by the White House did not give more details of that part of the conversation. Washington has said that it could not support a Rafah operation without an appropriate and credible humanitarian plan.

Israel-hamas war: White House claims Biden reiterated position on Rafah in Netanyahu call

Israel launched air strikes on three houses, located in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in which 13 people were killed and several others suffered injuries, as reported by the medics on Monday (April 29).

Israel launched air strikes on three houses, located in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in which 13 people were killed and several others suffered injuries, as reported by the medics on Monday (April 29). However, Hamas media outlets placed the death toll at 15. As per health officials, two houses were struck by Israeli planes in Gaza City, in the north of the Gaza Strip. Egypt to discuss ceasefire agreement with Hamas Israel launched strikes on Rafah, which is home to more than a million people who have sought refuge to escape the continuous Israeli bombardment, hours before Egyptian government officials and Hamas leaders were likely to discuss prospects of a ceasefire agreement. Speaking to AFP on Sunday (April 28), the Hamas leader said that it had no "major issues" after looking at the latest truce proposal of Israel. Also Read: Biden, Netanyahu review hostage-release talks in new call: White House "The atmosphere is positive unless there are new Israeli obstacles. There are no major issues in the observations and inquiries submitted by Hamas regarding the contents of the proposal," said the official. Hamas officials on Sunday stated that a delegation, headed by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, will discuss a ceasefire proposal which was given by Hamas to mediators from Qatar and Egypt, along with Israel's response. Mediators, with the support of the United States, have increased their efforts to finalise a deal as Israel continues threatening a Rafah invasion. Biden reiterates his position on Rafah invasion to Netanyahu United States President Joe Biden held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (April 28) and "reiterated his clear position" on Rafah's possible invasion, said the White House. The White House in a statement said that the US government will not support the Rafah invasion without a proper humanitarian plan. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Israel agreed to listen to the concerns of the United States before it launches an invasion. Watch: Israel War: Hezbollah says fires drones and guided missiles at Israel "The President reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel's security. The President stressed the need for this progress to be sustained and enhanced in full coordination with humanitarian organisations," read the statement. The war broke out after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants in which 1,200 were killed and 253 were taken hostage, as per Israeli authorities. Israel has reiterated its aim of eradicating Hamas, which controls Gaza, in a military operation which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to the health authorities of Gaza. Most of the 2.3 million population of the Gaza Strip has also been displaced because of the war. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people, hours before ceasefire talks

According to a person acquainted with their conversation, the main topic of conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden on Sunday was the release of hostages in Gaza.

Israel-hamas war: Biden discusses hostage deal and Rafah with Netanyahu on call

US President Joe Biden spoke with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone Sunday and "reviewed ongoing talks" to free hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 attack on Israel. Watch in for more details!

Biden, Netanyahu discuss Rafah, hostage deal on call

While leaders are trying to achieve a breakthrough deal as they push for a ceasefire in Gaza but amidst the talks the plight of hostages remain uncertain. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Rafah operation could be suspended if hostage deal is secured: Israeli Foreign Minister

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