Israel will face dire consequences if it sends troops into the besieged Gazan city of Rafah, according to Ehud Olmert, a former prime minister.

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert warns Netanyahu amid Rafah invasion plan

Israel-Hamas war is raging with each passing day. Soldiers are losing lives on the battlefield. Recently, A 19-year-old Israeli soldier of Indian origin, Sgt. Oz Daniel lost his life. But, he wasn't the first one to lose his life in the battlefield.

Israel war: List of Indian origin soldier killed in Israel-Hamas war

A deal is anticipated between Israel & Hamas. The United States has said that a deal may be close for a ceasefire and hostage deal. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating truce negotiations since January.

Israel war: What a ceasefire and hostage deal for Gaza could include

Gaza has been a battleground since the inception of Israel-Hamas war. The exchange of fire between both sides has claimed thousands of life. Israel's military has now proposed a plan for evacuating civilians from the Gaza Strip.

Israel proposes evacuation plan for civilians in Gaza

The Israel Army on Monday (Feb 26) proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians in the Gaza Strip. This evacuation plan which has been presented with an "operational plan" comes after the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory's southern city Rafah was necessary for Israel's "total victory".&nbsp;

<h2>Evacuation plan</h2>

In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's office said: "The (Israeli army) presented the War Cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, with the upcoming operational plan."

However, the statement in Hebrew failed to give any additional details about how or where the civilians would be moved, reports AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-allegedly-a-us-air-force-member-sets-himself-on-fire-outside-israeli-embassy-in-washington-dc-693816">Man, allegedly an US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington DC</a>

In an interview with CBS Sunday, Netanyahu said that a ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, would put Israel within weeks of "total victory" over Hamas.

"If we have a (truce) deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen," he said, adding, "It has to be done because total victory is our goal and total victory is within reach -- not months away, weeks away, once we begin the operation."

<h2>The repercussions of a Rafah attack</h2>

As per media reports, aid organisations and foreign governments have repeatedly expressed fears that a ground invasion of Rafah will inflict mass casualties.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-unclear-whether-hostage-deal-will-materialise-says-netanyahu-693775">Israel-Hamas war: Unclear whether hostage deal will materialise, says Netanyahu</a>

Rafah, which has so far been untouched by ground troops, has amid the war become the refuge for 1.4 million Palestinians — most of them displaced from other areas.

It also happens to be the entry point for desperately needed aid, brought in via neighbouring Egypt.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Mediators from US, Qatar, Egypt &amp; Israel in Doha for truce talks

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<h2>A ceasefire deal</h2>

The evacuation plan comes on the heels of the latest efforts by Egyptian, Qatari, and US "experts" to secure a truce before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The talks, which were also attended by Israeli and Hamas representatives, have, as per the United States, produced "an understanding" towards a ceasefire and hostage release.

However, as per sources in the Hamas, the group is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli forces. This demand has been dismissed by Netanyahu as "delusional".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israel Army on Monday (Feb 26) proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians in the Gaza Strip. This evacuation plan which has been presented with an "operational plan" comes after the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory's southern city Rafah was necessary for Israel's "total victory".

The Israel Army on Monday (Feb 26) proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians in the Gaza Strip. This evacuation plan which has been presented with an "operational plan" comes after the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory's southern city Rafah was necessary for Israel's "total victory". Evacuation plan In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's office said: "The (Israeli army) presented the War Cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, with the upcoming operational plan." However, the statement in Hebrew failed to give any additional details about how or where the civilians would be moved, reports AFP. Also read | Man, allegedly an US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington DC In an interview with CBS Sunday, Netanyahu said that a ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, would put Israel within weeks of "total victory" over Hamas. "If we have a (truce) deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen," he said, adding, "It has to be done because total victory is our goal and total victory is within reach -- not months away, weeks away, once we begin the operation." The repercussions of a Rafah attack As per media reports, aid organisations and foreign governments have repeatedly expressed fears that a ground invasion of Rafah will inflict mass casualties. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Unclear whether hostage deal will materialise, says Netanyahu Rafah, which has so far been untouched by ground troops, has amid the war become the refuge for 1.4 million Palestinians — most of them displaced from other areas. It also happens to be the entry point for desperately needed aid, brought in via neighbouring Egypt. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Mediators from US, Qatar, Egypt & Israel in Doha for truce talks A ceasefire deal The evacuation plan comes on the heels of the latest efforts by Egyptian, Qatari, and US "experts" to secure a truce before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The talks, which were also attended by Israeli and Hamas representatives, have, as per the United States, produced "an understanding" towards a ceasefire and hostage release. However, as per sources in the Hamas, the group is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli forces. This demand has been dismissed by Netanyahu as "delusional". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel Army offers plan to evacuate Gaza civilians as Netanyahu says Rafah offensive vital for 'total victory'

There are "initial signs that indicate the possibility of moving forward" on a "new framework" to free the hostages, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz tells reporters in Tel Aviv. Israel's war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has declared that a new hostage deal between Israel and Hamas could be in the works. He however added if the sides fail to reach an agreement, Israel will invade Southern Gaza City of Rafah over Ramadan. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel releases footage of attack on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

The United States has proposed a draft United Nations security Council resolution which calls for a temporary ceasefire in the war and opposes Israel's ground offensive in Rafah. All EU countries except Hungary have called for an immediate humanitarian pause in the war. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war | US, EU warn Israel against Rafah offensive

Israel-Hamas war: US opposes a major ground offensive by Israel in Rafah

Israel has put Gaza on a deadline- either Hamas frees all remaining hostages by Ramzan, or Israel will invade Rafah. Israel has also announced it would be limiting access to the Al-Aqza Mosque compound during Ramzan.

Gravitas | Dangerous Ramzan in Palestine: Israel announces Rafah invasion deadline

Egypt constructing wall near its border with Gaza strip. Israeli troops launch raid on Nasser hospital in southern Gaza. Staff say one person killed and eight injured in attack as un aid chief warns Rafah offensive could cause refugee exodus into Egypt.

Israel-Hamas war: Satellite images show construction of wall on Egypt-Rafah border

Pressure is mounting on Israel for ceasefire. Several leaders from the United States, Australia, Canada, UK, EU, Jordan joined growing calls for Israel to pause and back off from a planned ground offensive in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, urging a humanitarian ceasefire.

Will there be any ceasefire after Rafah attacks?

#ThisWorld | As Israel prepares to raid Rafah, we ask- Where is the world's conscience? Where is our sense of right and wrong? Over 12,000 children have died in Gaza in the last four months, thousands are in the line of fire. Even wars have rules. It's time to cease fire.

Israel-Gaza: Why are children paying the price of Netanyahu's war

Israel-Gaza War: Why is Netanyahu killing innocent children?

UN officials on Friday (Feb 16) said thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah as intense Israeli bombardment continues. The statement from the UN came as airstrikes on Rafah killed at least 13 people overnight, according to hospital officials.

It is speculated that 1.4 million people have made their way to Rafah after being displaced from other territories. Hundreds of thousands are living in sprawling tent camps.

Speaking to reporters, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said people were moving in large numbers towards Deir al-Balah, which is roughly 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Rafah.

“In Rafah, humanitarian conditions have become increasingly severe, with continued reports of people stopping aid trucks to take food,” he said.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah says Israel will pay 'in blood' for killing civilians

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“Vulnerable segments of the population include children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions, are particularly susceptible to the risk of malnutrition,” he added.

Dujarric added that the Israeli military campaign has severely hindered the delivery of aid to the besieged territory.

<h2>Israel’s stance</h2>

Israel says it will ensure the region is evacuated before it is targeted. However, experts say there is nowhere to go due to the vast devastation left behind.

On allegations of genocide, Israel strongly denies the claims by Hamas and Gazan authorities. Israel says it only targets Hamas militants and does all to spare civilians. The Jewish nation also claims that Hamas’ tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1xkHOwadCjviWRnLHnh0Wy" data-ved="2ahUKEwiC6LXfrLKEAxXL7zgGHdgJAm8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shame-on-him-israel-slams-un-aid-chief-after-he-says-hamas-not-terrorist-group-for-us-691165" jsname="YKoRaf">`Shame on him`, Israel slams UN aid chief after he says ‘Hamas not terrorist group for us’</a>

The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

<h2>UN court rejects motion against Rafah offensive</h2>

Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday dismissed a motion brought by South Africa to impose urgent measures to safeguard Rafah.

The top UN court said in a statement that the “perilous situation” in Rafah “demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures" that it ordered on January 26.

However, the court warned that Israel “remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention.”

(With inputs from agencies)

UN officials on Friday (Feb 16) said thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah as intense Israeli bombardment continues. The statement from the UN came as airstrikes on Rafah killed at least 13 people overnight, according to hospital officials.

UN officials on Friday (Feb 16) said thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah as intense Israeli bombardment continues. The statement from the UN came as airstrikes on Rafah killed at least 13 people overnight, according to hospital officials. It is speculated that 1.4 million people have made their way to Rafah after being displaced from other territories. Hundreds of thousands are living in sprawling tent camps. Speaking to reporters, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said people were moving in large numbers towards Deir al-Balah, which is roughly 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Rafah. “In Rafah, humanitarian conditions have become increasingly severe, with continued reports of people stopping aid trucks to take food,” he said. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah says Israel will pay 'in blood' for killing civilians × “Vulnerable segments of the population include children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions, are particularly susceptible to the risk of malnutrition,” he added. Dujarric added that the Israeli military campaign has severely hindered the delivery of aid to the besieged territory. Israel’s stance Israel says it will ensure the region is evacuated before it is targeted. However, experts say there is nowhere to go due to the vast devastation left behind. On allegations of genocide, Israel strongly denies the claims by Hamas and Gazan authorities. Israel says it only targets Hamas militants and does all to spare civilians. The Jewish nation also claims that Hamas’ tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. Also read: `Shame on him`, Israel slams UN aid chief after he says ‘Hamas not terrorist group for us’ The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. UN court rejects motion against Rafah offensive Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday dismissed a motion brought by South Africa to impose urgent measures to safeguard Rafah. The top UN court said in a statement that the “perilous situation” in Rafah “demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures" that it ordered on January 26. However, the court warned that Israel “remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies

Israeli strikes deepen panic in Rafah as un aid chief warns a ground offensive could result in ‘slaughter’. Israeli officials have requested un aid agencies to help with efforts to evacuate civilians from Gaza war zones.

Military operations in Gaza can lead to slaughter, says UN

‘We lived in terror,’ say Palestinians in Rafah

Israel is on the verge of a ground offensive in Gaza's Rafah neighbourhood but Biden administration which has supported Israel throughout the war against Hamas has expressed concern about such an operation.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel faces growing pressure over Gaza ceasefire

Israel is intensifying its ground assault on Rafah. Over a million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views Rafah as a "last bastion" of Hamas stronghold. Watch this video for all details.

Why is Israel planning a Rafah offensive and what would it mean?

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday (Feb 12) claimed it had managed to safely rescue two hostages from Hamas captivity during a special operation in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, according to a report in The Times of Israel.

The two freed hostages have been identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Norberto Louis Har (70) who were extracted in a joint operation by IDF, Israel Police and Shin Bet. They were kidnapped from&nbsp;Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7.

The military said the&nbsp;two rescued hostages were in good condition and had arrived at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan for examination.

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Two Israeli hostages rescued during an overnight mission in Rafah. 
 
During a joint operation between the IDF, ISA, and Israel Police, two Israeli hostages from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak were rescued: Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Louis Har (70). 
 
They are both in good medical…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1756874602771255354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Notably, Monday's operation is only the second time since the October 7 Hamas attacks that the IDF has conducted a successful rescue operation to free the hostages.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | Hamas armed-wing spokesman: Fate of many hostages unknown

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<h2>Israeli air strikes on Rafah&nbsp;</h2>

The rescue news comes after Israel launched fresh air strikes on Rafah, killing&nbsp;at least 52 in early Monday strikes. The attack came hours after US President Joe Biden urged Israel to not attack the region.&nbsp;

In a call on Sunday (Feb 11), Biden told Israeli&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;that he should not launch a ground offensive in Rafah "without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there”.&nbsp;

According to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, the strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in different parts of Rafah.&nbsp;

The Israeli military also confirmed the attacks saying it had&nbsp;"conducted a series of strikes on terror targets in the area of Shaboura in the southern Gaza Strip".&nbsp;

Over a million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Rafah, situated on the border with Egypt. However, after ceasefire talks yielded no results, Netanyahu said Israeli forces would fight on until "total victory."

“We’re going to do it. We’re going to get the remaining Hamas terrorist battalions in Rafah, which is the last bastion, but we’re going to do it.&nbsp;We’re going to do it while providing safe passage for the civilian population so they can leave,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;

“Those who say that under no circumstances should we enter Rafah, are basically saying ‘lose the war, keep Hamas there’,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-offensive-in-rafah-will-blow-up-hostage-exchange-negotiations-says-hamas-689194">Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive in Rafah will blow up hostage exchange negotiations, says Hamas</a>

Notably, Rafah is the last major population centre in Gaza that Israeli troops have yet to enter. Netanyahu's announcement has sparked international concern regarding the safety of civilians. However, experts say that the recovery of the two hostages from Hamas' clutches suggests that the terror outfit had weaponised the shelter camps in the area.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday (Feb 12) claimed it had managed to safely rescue two hostages from Hamas captivity during a special operation in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, according to a report in The Times of Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday (Feb 12) claimed it had managed to safely rescue two hostages from Hamas captivity during a special operation in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The two freed hostages have been identified as Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Norberto Louis Har (70) who were extracted in a joint operation by IDF, Israel Police and Shin Bet. They were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7. The military said the two rescued hostages were in good condition and had arrived at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan for examination. Two Israeli hostages rescued during an overnight mission in Rafah. During a joint operation between the IDF, ISA, and Israel Police, two Israeli hostages from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak were rescued: Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Louis Har (70). They are both in good medical… — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 12, 2024 × Notably, Monday's operation is only the second time since the October 7 Hamas attacks that the IDF has conducted a successful rescue operation to free the hostages. ALSO WATCH | Israel-Hamas war | Hamas armed-wing spokesman: Fate of many hostages unknown Israeli air strikes on Rafah The rescue news comes after Israel launched fresh air strikes on Rafah, killing at least 52 in early Monday strikes. The attack came hours after US President Joe Biden urged Israel to not attack the region. In a call on Sunday (Feb 11), Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he should not launch a ground offensive in Rafah "without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there”. According to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, the strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in different parts of Rafah. The Israeli military also confirmed the attacks saying it had "conducted a series of strikes on terror targets in the area of Shaboura in the southern Gaza Strip". Over a million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Rafah, situated on the border with Egypt. However, after ceasefire talks yielded no results, Netanyahu said Israeli forces would fight on until "total victory." “We’re going to do it. We’re going to get the remaining Hamas terrorist battalions in Rafah, which is the last bastion, but we’re going to do it. We’re going to do it while providing safe passage for the civilian population so they can leave,” said Netanyahu. “Those who say that under no circumstances should we enter Rafah, are basically saying ‘lose the war, keep Hamas there’,” he added. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive in Rafah will blow up hostage exchange negotiations, says Hamas Notably, Rafah is the last major population centre in Gaza that Israeli troops have yet to enter. Netanyahu's announcement has sparked international concern regarding the safety of civilians. However, experts say that the recovery of the two hostages from Hamas' clutches suggests that the terror outfit had weaponised the shelter camps in the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel rescues two hostages from Rafah in special operation

World leaders express deep concern over Netanyahu's Rafah plans. Worries over increasingly scarce supplies of food, water & drugs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the military to prepare a plan for the evacuation of the population of the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brushed off mounting criticism against his plans to enter the largest city of Southern Gaza. The Prime Minister slammed his critics claiming that telling Israel to not enter Rafah is equivalent to Israel losing its war against Hamas. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's Rafah plan sparks global alarm

A series of Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza town of Rafah have killed at least 67 people. As per Gaza officials of strikes hit 14 homes and three mosques in different parts of Rafah mediators held new talks in Cairo for a paus in the fighting and he release of around 130 hostages.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel launches operation in Gaza's Rafah

There is anger on the streets of Israel as frustrated demonstrators called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to get the hostages out of Gaza and nearby towns.

Gaza officials: Israel hit at least 14 homes & 3 mosques in Rafah

Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza City of Rafah have claimed the lives of "around 100" Palestinians including children, said the Hamas-run health ministry on Monday (Feb 12). Meanwhile, Israel reported that it had successfully rescued two hostages from the city.

<h2>Strikes kill 100</h2>

In a statement, the Hamas-run territory's health ministry said that overnight heavy airstrikes on the overcrowded city of Rafah killed "around 100".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worried-about-border-situation-egypt-issues-ultimatum-to-hamas-to-reach-ceasefire-agreement-689393">Worried about Rafah border situation, Egypt issues ultimatum to Hamas to reach ceasefire deal</a>

It said that the strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in different parts of the city. Reuters reports that the militant group&nbsp;said the attack on Rafah was a continuation of a "genocidal war" and forced displacement attempts Israel has waged against the Palestinian people.

As people flee Israel's heavy bombardment elsewhere in the Gaza Strip, the city, according to AFP, now hosts more than half of Gaza's total population. This amounts to around 1.4 million Palestinians, many of them living in tents.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden warns Israel against Rafah assault

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The Israeli military, as per the report, said it had "conducted a series of strikes on terror targets in the area of Shaboura in the southern Gaza Strip." The strikes had concluded, it added.

<h2>Rescue operation</h2>

The Israeli ministry,&nbsp;as per an AFP report, announced that after nearly 130 days of captivity, two Israeli-Argentinian hostages were rescued in a joint military, Shin Bet and police operation.

In a statement, they were identified as Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har. The army said that they "were kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation on October 7th from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-economy-poised-for-recovery-despite-moodys-downgrade-says-bank-of-israel-governor-689496">Israel economy poised for recovery despite Moody's downgrade, says bank of Israel Governor</a>

The two men are in a "good medical condition," it said.

In a briefing, army spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that, "The military and the Shin Bet have been working on this operation for a long time."

"They waited until the conditions were right to carry it out," he said.

He said that a firefight broke out during the rescue, due to which air strikes targeted nearby buildings from where shots were fired.

"Many terrorists were killed this evening during this operation and one of our fighters was slightly injured," said Hagari.

(With inputs from agencies)

Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza City of Rafah have claimed the lives of "around 100" Palestinians including children, said the Hamas-run health ministry on Monday (Feb 12).

Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza City of Rafah have claimed the lives of "around 100" Palestinians including children, said the Hamas-run health ministry on Monday (Feb 12). Meanwhile, Israel reported that it had successfully rescued two hostages from the city. Strikes kill 100 In a statement, the Hamas-run territory's health ministry said that overnight heavy airstrikes on the overcrowded city of Rafah killed "around 100". Also read | Worried about Rafah border situation, Egypt issues ultimatum to Hamas to reach ceasefire deal It said that the strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in different parts of the city. Reuters reports that the militant group said the attack on Rafah was a continuation of a "genocidal war" and forced displacement attempts Israel has waged against the Palestinian people. As people flee Israel's heavy bombardment elsewhere in the Gaza Strip, the city, according to AFP, now hosts more than half of Gaza's total population. This amounts to around 1.4 million Palestinians, many of them living in tents. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden warns Israel against Rafah assault × The Israeli military, as per the report, said it had "conducted a series of strikes on terror targets in the area of Shaboura in the southern Gaza Strip." The strikes had concluded, it added. Rescue operation The Israeli ministry, as per an AFP report, announced that after nearly 130 days of captivity, two Israeli-Argentinian hostages were rescued in a joint military, Shin Bet and police operation. In a statement, they were identified as Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har. The army said that they "were kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation on October 7th from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak". Also read | Israel economy poised for recovery despite Moody's downgrade, says bank of Israel Governor The two men are in a "good medical condition," it said. In a briefing, army spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that, "The military and the Shin Bet have been working on this operation for a long time." "They waited until the conditions were right to carry it out," he said. He said that a firefight broke out during the rescue, due to which air strikes targeted nearby buildings from where shots were fired. "Many terrorists were killed this evening during this operation and one of our fighters was slightly injured," said Hagari. (With inputs from agencies)

Overnight airstrikes kill ‘around 100’ in Rafah; Israel rescues two hostages

Israel-Hamas war: At least 67 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza's Rafah; 14 homes & 3 mosques hit

A series of Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza town of Rafah have killed at least 52 people. As per Gaza officials of strikes hit 14 homes and three mosques in different parts of Rafah mediators held new talks in Cairo for a paus in the fighting and he release of around 130 hostages.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's Rafah plans spark global alarm

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: World leaders express deep concern over Netanyahu's Rafah plans. Worries over increasingly scarce supplies of food, water & drugs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the military to prepare a plan for the evacuation of the population of the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brushed off mounting criticism against his plans to enter the largest city of Southern Gaza. The Prime Minister slammed his critics claiming that telling Israel to not enter Rafah is equivalent to Israel losing its war against Hamas. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli airstrikes hit 14 houses and 3 mosques in Rafah

Ahead of a looming Israeli ground invasion of Rafah. US President Joe Biden spoke with Isareli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and told him not to launch a military operation without a credible plan for ensuring the safety of one million people sheltering there...Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden warns Israel against Rafah assault

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the military to prepare a plan for the evacuation of the population of the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion.

Palestinians brace for Rafah assault as Netanyahu orders military to plan evacuations from Rafah

Israel-Hamas war: 3 senior police officials killed in latest Israeli airstrikes in Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his military to prepare to evacuate an estimated 1.3 million people in the city. This comes ahead of an Israeli invasion of the densely populated southern Gaza city. Rafah is located on the Egyptian border...Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu orders military to plan evacuations from Rafah

Saudi Arabia demanded on Saturday that the UN Security Council step in and stop Israel's planned army assault in Rafah, calling it a "humanitarian catastrophe."

The foreign ministry statement, which was aired by state media, stated that the kingdom "strongly condemns and rejects the extremely dangerous consequences of storming and targeting" Rafah. It also reiterated its "categorical rejection" of their forcible deportation.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israeli-army-accused-of-deliberately-attacking-ambulance-killing-six-year-old-girl-688966">Gaza war: Israeli Army accused of deliberately attacking ambulance, killing six-year-old girl</a>

The statement went on, "This ongoing violation of international humanitarian law and international law reinforces the importance of convening the Security Council promptly to prevent Israel from triggering an imminent humanitarian catastrophe."

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the army orders to get ready to evacuate Rafah's civilian population in advance of a scheduled ground offensive against Hamas in the city.

In the far south of Gaza, the city has become the home of over a million Palestinian refugees, many of whom are camped out in tents between the sea and Egypt borders.

Saudi Arabia, which is home to some of the most sacred places in Islam, has never recognised Israel but had discussed doing so before to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.

Around 1,160 people, primarily civilians, were killed in an attack on southern Israel by Hamas terrorists, which set off the battle, according to an AFP count based on official Israeli numbers.

Israel began a large military attack in Gaza with the goal of eliminating Hamas. According to the health ministry of Hamas-run territory, the offensive has killed at least 27,947 individuals.

While denouncing Israeli "aggression" in Gaza, Riyadh has called for a ceasefire several times.

Although US President Joe Biden's administration has expressed hope that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel will be restored, Saudi Arabia claimed this week that it had informed Washington that it would not forge diplomatic ties with Israel until an independent Palestinian state was "recognized" and Israeli soldiers withdrew from Gaza.

The leaders of Hamas in Gaza issued a warning on Saturday, claiming that "tens of thousands" of people could die as a result of Israeli operations in Rafah.

Mahmud Abbas, the president of Palestine, said in his office that the action is "a clear violation of all red lines" and "threatens security and peace in the area in the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia demanded on Saturday that the UN Security Council step in and stop Israel's planned army assault in Rafah, calling it a "humanitarian catastrophe." The foreign ministry statement, which was aired by state media, stated that the kingdom "strongly condemns and rejects the extremely dangerous consequences of storming and targeting" Rafah.

Saudi Arabia demanded on Saturday that the UN Security Council step in and stop Israel's planned army assault in Rafah, calling it a "humanitarian catastrophe." The foreign ministry statement, which was aired by state media, stated that the kingdom "strongly condemns and rejects the extremely dangerous consequences of storming and targeting" Rafah. It also reiterated its "categorical rejection" of their forcible deportation. Also Read: Gaza war: Israeli Army accused of deliberately attacking ambulance, killing six-year-old girl The statement went on, "This ongoing violation of international humanitarian law and international law reinforces the importance of convening the Security Council promptly to prevent Israel from triggering an imminent humanitarian catastrophe." On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the army orders to get ready to evacuate Rafah's civilian population in advance of a scheduled ground offensive against Hamas in the city. In the far south of Gaza, the city has become the home of over a million Palestinian refugees, many of whom are camped out in tents between the sea and Egypt borders. Saudi Arabia, which is home to some of the most sacred places in Islam, has never recognised Israel but had discussed doing so before to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. Around 1,160 people, primarily civilians, were killed in an attack on southern Israel by Hamas terrorists, which set off the battle, according to an AFP count based on official Israeli numbers. Israel began a large military attack in Gaza with the goal of eliminating Hamas. According to the health ministry of Hamas-run territory, the offensive has killed at least 27,947 individuals. While denouncing Israeli "aggression" in Gaza, Riyadh has called for a ceasefire several times. Although US President Joe Biden's administration has expressed hope that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel will be restored, Saudi Arabia claimed this week that it had informed Washington that it would not forge diplomatic ties with Israel until an independent Palestinian state was "recognized" and Israeli soldiers withdrew from Gaza. The leaders of Hamas in Gaza issued a warning on Saturday, claiming that "tens of thousands" of people could die as a result of Israeli operations in Rafah. Mahmud Abbas, the president of Palestine, said in his office that the action is "a clear violation of all red lines" and "threatens security and peace in the area in the world." (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia threatens ‘catastrophe’ if Israel strikes Rafah; Gaza death toll crosses 28,000

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