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.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu orders military to submit dual plan for Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Feb 7) ordered troops to prepare to enter the Gaza Strip's Rafah after rejecting Hamas' response to a ceasefire proposal in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Feb 7) ordered troops to prepare to enter the Gaza Strip's Rafah after rejecting Hamas' response to a ceasefire proposal in the besieged Palestinian territory. In televised remarks, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he ordered troops to prepare to operate in Rafah and that total victory over Hamas was just months away. Reacting to the ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu said, "Giving in to the bizarre demands of Hamas that we have just heard will... only invite another massacre." US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who is on his fifth tour to the Middle East, met the Israeli PM and said that Hamas' counter-proposal (of a ceasefire) at least offered an opportunity to pursue negotiations. Also read | Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech "While there are some clear non-starters in Hamas's response, we do think it creates space for agreement to be reached, and we will work at that relentlessly until we get there," Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv. He stopped short of calling on Israel not to move into Rafah, but expressed concerns at Netanyahu's announcement by saying that any "military operation that Israel undertakes needs to put civilians first and foremost." Mounting concerns in Rafah over military push A report by the news agency AFP on Thursday said that concerns were mounting in Rafah over the upcoming military push in the city by Israel. Hundreds of Palestinians have sought refuge in the city since the conflict began on Oct 7 last year. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, warned that a military push into the city "would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare." Concerns were also mounting for displaced Palestinian civilians thronging Rafah. Till now, more than half of Gaza's 2.4 million population has sought safety in the city. Also watch | Antony Blinken discusses Hamas' truce deal with Israeli PM Netanyahu × In a statement, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said, "Their living conditions are abysmal -- they lack the basic necessities to survive, stalked by hunger, disease and death." "As the war encroaches further into Rafah, I am extremely concerned about the safety and well-being of families which have endured the unthinkable in search of safety," Griffiths added. Death toll in Gaza over 27,700 Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza said that the death toll has climbed to 27,708 since the conflict began. The latest toll includes 123 deaths over the past 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, a total of 67,147 people have been wounded. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu orders troops to prepare to enter Rafah

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: Israeli forces have begun to scale back war. Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike. Israeli strikes kill 3 in Rafah. Watch the video to know more!

Israel evacuates military ops in Lebanon; IDF shifts focus from Gaza to Lebanon

On the ground, Israel's offensive in the south of Gaza is expanding. The humanitarian situation has been worsening despite the UNSC resolution. This has led to Aid delivery being hampered in the besieged strip. Watch for more updates.

Israel-Hamas war: Attack on Nuseirat refugee camp on Saturday

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: The Palestine Red Crescent Society said it had received 70 trucks carrying humanitarian aid. The trucks entered the enclave through Egypt's Rafah border crossing.

Israel-Hamas war: 70 Humanitarian Aid trucks enter Gaza through Rafah crossing

Israel's relentless air strikes are forcing residents of Northern Gaza city to seek refuge in the southern city of Rafah with supplies running critically low due a total blockade.

Israel-Palestine war | Water runs dry, fuel burns out in Gaza: Single water hose for 30,000 Gazans

Qatar has mediated an agreement between Egypt, Israel and Hamas, in coordination with the U.S., which will allow limited evacuations from besieged Gaza.

Israel-Palestine war: Rafah border crossing open for evacuations but only these people can use it

Egypt will treat badly wounded Palestinians after letting them into the country through the Rafah crossing, AFP reported Wednesday (Nov 1).

The announcement from Egypt’s medical and security forces came Tuesday as Israel continues pounding Gaza with full force, which has so far resulted in the death of more than 8,500 people, including 3,500 children.

The border authority in Hamas-ruled Gaza earlier said that Egypt has allowed accommodating at least 81 of the most badly wounded Palestinians.&nbsp;

All of them will cross into Egypt through Rafah starting Wednesday, the only passage not controlled by Israel.

<h2>Egypt to build special field hospital&nbsp;</h2>

As per media reports, Egypt is building a special field hospital, with an area of 1,300 square metres (about 14,000 square feet), where these Palestinians will be taken care of.&nbsp;

The hospital is being built in the city of Sheikh Zuweid in northern Sinai, about 15 kilometres (nine miles) from Rafah.

Watch:&nbsp;Gaza siege triggers rise in anti-antisemitism

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-siege-triggers-rise-in-anti-antisemitism-france-russia-witness-anti-jew-sentiment-wion-653698/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Medical teams will be present tomorrow (Wednesday) at the crossing to examine the cases coming (from Gaza) as soon as they arrive... and determine the hospitals they will be sent to," a medical official in Egypt's city of El Arish was quoted as saying by AFP.

<h2>Israeli strike on refugee camp</h2>

The decision came after an Israeli strike hit a densely-populated refugee camp in Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 50 Palestinians and a Hamas leader, as reported in the international media.

Israeli tanks have been active in Gaza for at least four days following weeks of air bombardments in retaliation for an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on mostly Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 and the taking of more than 200 hostages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-israels-pm-netanyahu-says-gaza-ceasefire-will-not-happen-653218">Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War Top developments (Oct 31): Another barrage of rockets launched at central Israel</a>

IDF said in a statement that its jets earlier struck Jabalia, a refugee camp, killing Hamas commander Ibrahim Biari.

"He was very important, I would say even pivotal in the planning and the execution of the October 7 attack against Israel from the northeastern parts of the Gaza Strip," said IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus.

Hamas, in a separate statement, claimed more than 400 people had died in the Jabalia strikes, although it could not be verified by WION independently.

(With reports from agencies)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Egypt will treat badly wounded Palestinians after letting them into the country through the Rafah crossing, AFP reported Wednesday (Nov 1). The announcement from Egypt’s medical and security forces came Tuesday as Israel continues pounding Gaza with full force, which has so far resulted in the death of more than 8,500 people, including 3,500 children.

Egypt will treat badly wounded Palestinians after letting them into the country through the Rafah crossing, AFP reported Wednesday (Nov 1). The announcement from Egypt’s medical and security forces came Tuesday as Israel continues pounding Gaza with full force, which has so far resulted in the death of more than 8,500 people, including 3,500 children. The border authority in Hamas-ruled Gaza earlier said that Egypt has allowed accommodating at least 81 of the most badly wounded Palestinians. All of them will cross into Egypt through Rafah starting Wednesday, the only passage not controlled by Israel. Egypt to build special field hospital As per media reports, Egypt is building a special field hospital, with an area of 1,300 square metres (about 14,000 square feet), where these Palestinians will be taken care of. The hospital is being built in the city of Sheikh Zuweid in northern Sinai, about 15 kilometres (nine miles) from Rafah. Watch: Gaza siege triggers rise in anti-antisemitism × "Medical teams will be present tomorrow (Wednesday) at the crossing to examine the cases coming (from Gaza) as soon as they arrive... and determine the hospitals they will be sent to," a medical official in Egypt's city of El Arish was quoted as saying by AFP. Israeli strike on refugee camp The decision came after an Israeli strike hit a densely-populated refugee camp in Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 50 Palestinians and a Hamas leader, as reported in the international media. Israeli tanks have been active in Gaza for at least four days following weeks of air bombardments in retaliation for an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on mostly Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 and the taking of more than 200 hostages. Also read: Israel-Hamas War Top developments (Oct 31): Another barrage of rockets launched at central Israel IDF said in a statement that its jets earlier struck Jabalia, a refugee camp, killing Hamas commander Ibrahim Biari. "He was very important, I would say even pivotal in the planning and the execution of the October 7 attack against Israel from the northeastern parts of the Gaza Strip," said IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus. Hamas, in a separate statement, claimed more than 400 people had died in the Jabalia strikes, although it could not be verified by WION independently. (With reports from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Egypt to start treating ‘badly wounded’ Palestinians, will build special hospital

A convoy of 20 trucks, carrying humanitarian aid, entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah crossing on Saturday (Oct 21), confirmed the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in a statement.

It stated that the trucks were filled with medicine and food supplies meant for the people of Gaza Strip. "The relief aid convoy that is supposed to enter [Gaza] today includes 20 trucks that carry medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies (canned goods)," said Hamas's media office, in a statement.

The Egyptian state TV, trucks which were seen waiting for days to enter the area of border crossing from the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt entering the gate after the war between Israel and Hamas entered the 15th day.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-gaza-strip-became-the-worlds-largest-open-air-prison-646668">Explained | How Gaza Strip became the ‘world’s largest open-air prison’</a>

<h2>Rafah crossing – the only route to Gaza not controlled by Israel</h2>

Gaza Strip has been incessantly bombed by Israel since the massive attack was launched by Hamas on Tel Aviv on October 7.

The terrorist group had entered Israel from the Gaza Strip and killed around 1,400 people, who were mostly civilians on the first day of the attack, according to Israeli officials. The people were killed, mutilated and burnt to death and 200 others were taken hostage.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Hamas frees two US hostages

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hamas-frees-two-us-hostages-649487/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the attack, Israel announced a total siege on Gaza, and stopped the supplies of electricity, water, food and fuel, which created chronic shortages in the region.

Rafah is the only route inside Gaza which is not under the control of Israel and through which it was agreed to allow entry of aid from Egypt after a request was made by its top ally the United States.

As per an AFP correspondent, 20 trucks sent by the Egyptian Red Crescent, which had been given the task of delivering aid from different UN agencies, entered through the Egyptian terminal. On the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, 36 empty trailers were seen entering the terminal and moving towards the Egyptian side, where they were to be filled with incoming aid, reported AFP.

Two Red Cross vehicles, two UN vehicles and four ambulances were also seen moving towards the terminal.

<h2>Gaza's first aid convoy 'must not be the last': UN</h2>

Reacting to the entry of 20 aid trucks entering Gaza through Rafah crossing, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said that the first truck "must not be the last".

"I am confident that this delivery will be the start of a sustainable effort to provide essential supplies... to the people of Gaza," stated Martin Griffiths, adding, "This first convoy must not be the last.” 
&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

A convoy of 20 trucks, carrying humanitarian aid, entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah crossing on Saturday (Oct 21), confirmed the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in a statement.

A convoy of 20 trucks, carrying humanitarian aid, entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah crossing on Saturday (Oct 21), confirmed the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in a statement. It stated that the trucks were filled with medicine and food supplies meant for the people of Gaza Strip. "The relief aid convoy that is supposed to enter [Gaza] today includes 20 trucks that carry medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies (canned goods)," said Hamas's media office, in a statement. The Egyptian state TV, trucks which were seen waiting for days to enter the area of border crossing from the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt entering the gate after the war between Israel and Hamas entered the 15th day. ALSO READ | Explained | How Gaza Strip became the ‘world’s largest open-air prison’ Rafah crossing – the only route to Gaza not controlled by Israel Gaza Strip has been incessantly bombed by Israel since the massive attack was launched by Hamas on Tel Aviv on October 7. The terrorist group had entered Israel from the Gaza Strip and killed around 1,400 people, who were mostly civilians on the first day of the attack, according to Israeli officials. The people were killed, mutilated and burnt to death and 200 others were taken hostage. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Hamas frees two US hostages After the attack, Israel announced a total siege on Gaza, and stopped the supplies of electricity, water, food and fuel, which created chronic shortages in the region. Rafah is the only route inside Gaza which is not under the control of Israel and through which it was agreed to allow entry of aid from Egypt after a request was made by its top ally the United States. As per an AFP correspondent, 20 trucks sent by the Egyptian Red Crescent, which had been given the task of delivering aid from different UN agencies, entered through the Egyptian terminal. On the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, 36 empty trailers were seen entering the terminal and moving towards the Egyptian side, where they were to be filled with incoming aid, reported AFP. Two Red Cross vehicles, two UN vehicles and four ambulances were also seen moving towards the terminal. Gaza's first aid convoy 'must not be the last': UN Reacting to the entry of 20 aid trucks entering Gaza through Rafah crossing, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said that the first truck "must not be the last". "I am confident that this delivery will be the start of a sustainable effort to provide essential supplies... to the people of Gaza," stated Martin Griffiths, adding, "This first convoy must not be the last.” 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) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Trucks, filled with humanitarian aid, enter Gaza through Rafah crossing

The Rafah border crossing, located at the southern end of the Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, holds immense significance for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza.

It represents their primary potential exit point and serves as the territory's sole remaining link to the outside world. Under a 2007 agreement with Israel, Egypt controls the crossing, and any supplies entering Gaza through Rafah require Israeli approval.

<h2>Challenges of leaving Gaza</h2>

For the majority of Gazans, leaving the 365 square kilometre&nbsp;territory is exceedingly difficult. While Rafah offers the possibility of exiting Gaza, the reality is that most Gazans have never left their home region. Getting permission to depart is a complex and rigorous process.

<h2>Rafah: A tightly controlled crossing</h2>

On the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing lies the area of Rafah, a mix of city and farmland. Over the past decade, this region has experienced conflict between the Egyptian military and jihadist militants.

In an effort to prevent civilians and militants from returning to the area, the Egyptian military essentially razed large parts of Rafah.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-israel-was-formed-a-nation-whose-history-can-be-traced-back-to-iron-age-647305">How was Israel formed? The nation's history can be traced back to the Iron Age</a>

<h2>Why Egypt closed the crossing?</h2>

Egypt has historically imposed tight restrictions on the Rafah crossing and has kept it closed during previous Israeli military operations in Gaza, including in 2021, 2014, and 2008.

Since 2013, during a period of heightened conflict between the Egyptian military and jihadists in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt has significantly curtailed movement through the crossing. It has&nbsp;also banned the entry of aid organisations and journalists into northern Sinai.

Palestinians accuse Egypt of contributing to Israel's 16-year blockade by effectively closing the only exit route from Gaza.

Egyptian officials have been hesitant to allow Palestinians to enter northern Sinai, as they fear it could lead to a permanent resettlement of over 2 million people.

These Palestinians, whom Israel will not allow to return to Gaza, settling in Sinai is a scenario Egypt wishes to avoid. President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a Gaza exodus, stating that allowing them to settle in Sinai, even temporarily, would effectively grant Israel control over an emptied Gaza Strip.

Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, shares these concerns and has affirmed that there will be no mass migration from Gaza to Egypt. He stated that Egypt welcomes the Palestinian people but not on the basis of migration or exodus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-crime-in-us-man-stabs-6-year-old-muslim-child-over-ongoing-israel-hamas-war-tensions-647335">Hate crime in US: Man stabs 6-year-old Muslim child over ongoing Israel-Hamas war tensions</a>

<h2>Historical fears&nbsp;</h2>

Egypt has long harboured concerns that Israel or international partners could pressure them into accepting millions of Palestinians settling in Sinai.

Such proposals have been made in the past, and Egyptian officials have consistently rejected the idea. Life in northern Sinai has been challenging for decades, with a lack of basic infrastructure, energy, and habitable land.

There is a significant area near the Gaza border that was designated as a "buffer zone",&nbsp;resulting in the destruction of homes and farmland. Civilians have been prevented from returning to this area.

Egypt is facing a significant economic crisis, which includes the devaluation of its currency, making the prospect of accepting refugees even more challenging. While Cairo has rejected mass displacement from Gaza into Sinai, it has been under pressure from Western countries offering economic incentives to reach an agreement.

Egypt is on the brink of accepting an agreement that would permit foreign and dual nationals to cross from Rafah, as long as humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza.

Decision-making circles in Egypt may be inclined to accept a large influx of Palestinians into Sinai if international partners provide economic incentives. However, the prospects of long-term financial support for Palestinians in Egypt, either from Cairo or internationally, appear remote, reported the Guardian.

<h2>Situation on ground&nbsp;</h2>

The escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip has created a critical situation in its hospitals, with their generator fuel supplies running dangerously low.

The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) has issued a stark warning, estimating that the fuel reserves in these hospitals will last only about 24 more hours, reported Reuters.

The shortage of generator fuel is not just a logistical challenge; it is a life-and-death matter. If the backup generators were to fail, thousands of patients, including severely injured children and adults, would be left without essential medical care, and their lives depend on uninterrupted electricity.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war stumps tech sector

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-stumps-tech-sector-647393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This crisis unfolds against the backdrop of an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, a besieged coastal enclave struggling with food and water shortages, as well as safety concerns.

The situation is further compounded by the looming threat of an Israeli ground offensive in response to a deadly attack by Hamas. The Israeli military, backed by an increasing presence of US warships in the region, is assembling along Gaza's border, preparing for a major operation to dismantle the militant group.

(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.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Rafah border crossing, located at the southern end of the Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, holds immense significance for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza.

The Rafah border crossing, located at the southern end of the Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, holds immense significance for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza. It represents their primary potential exit point and serves as the territory's sole remaining link to the outside world. Under a 2007 agreement with Israel, Egypt controls the crossing, and any supplies entering Gaza through Rafah require Israeli approval. Challenges of leaving Gaza For the majority of Gazans, leaving the 365 square kilometre territory is exceedingly difficult. While Rafah offers the possibility of exiting Gaza, the reality is that most Gazans have never left their home region. Getting permission to depart is a complex and rigorous process. Rafah: A tightly controlled crossing On the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing lies the area of Rafah, a mix of city and farmland. Over the past decade, this region has experienced conflict between the Egyptian military and jihadist militants. In an effort to prevent civilians and militants from returning to the area, the Egyptian military essentially razed large parts of Rafah. Also read | How was Israel formed? The nation's history can be traced back to the Iron Age Why Egypt closed the crossing? Egypt has historically imposed tight restrictions on the Rafah crossing and has kept it closed during previous Israeli military operations in Gaza, including in 2021, 2014, and 2008. Since 2013, during a period of heightened conflict between the Egyptian military and jihadists in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt has significantly curtailed movement through the crossing. It has also banned the entry of aid organisations and journalists into northern Sinai. Palestinians accuse Egypt of contributing to Israel's 16-year blockade by effectively closing the only exit route from Gaza. Egyptian officials have been hesitant to allow Palestinians to enter northern Sinai, as they fear it could lead to a permanent resettlement of over 2 million people. These Palestinians, whom Israel will not allow to return to Gaza, settling in Sinai is a scenario Egypt wishes to avoid. President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a Gaza exodus, stating that allowing them to settle in Sinai, even temporarily, would effectively grant Israel control over an emptied Gaza Strip. Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, shares these concerns and has affirmed that there will be no mass migration from Gaza to Egypt. He stated that Egypt welcomes the Palestinian people but not on the basis of migration or exodus. Also read | Hate crime in US: Man stabs 6-year-old Muslim child over ongoing Israel-Hamas war tensions Historical fears Egypt has long harboured concerns that Israel or international partners could pressure them into accepting millions of Palestinians settling in Sinai. Such proposals have been made in the past, and Egyptian officials have consistently rejected the idea. Life in northern Sinai has been challenging for decades, with a lack of basic infrastructure, energy, and habitable land. There is a significant area near the Gaza border that was designated as a "buffer zone", resulting in the destruction of homes and farmland. Civilians have been prevented from returning to this area. Egypt is facing a significant economic crisis, which includes the devaluation of its currency, making the prospect of accepting refugees even more challenging. While Cairo has rejected mass displacement from Gaza into Sinai, it has been under pressure from Western countries offering economic incentives to reach an agreement. Egypt is on the brink of accepting an agreement that would permit foreign and dual nationals to cross from Rafah, as long as humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza. Decision-making circles in Egypt may be inclined to accept a large influx of Palestinians into Sinai if international partners provide economic incentives. However, the prospects of long-term financial support for Palestinians in Egypt, either from Cairo or internationally, appear remote, reported the Guardian. Situation on ground The escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip has created a critical situation in its hospitals, with their generator fuel supplies running dangerously low. The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) has issued a stark warning, estimating that the fuel reserves in these hospitals will last only about 24 more hours, reported Reuters. The shortage of generator fuel is not just a logistical challenge; it is a life-and-death matter. If the backup generators were to fail, thousands of patients, including severely injured children and adults, would be left without essential medical care, and their lives depend on uninterrupted electricity. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war stumps tech sector This crisis unfolds against the backdrop of an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, a besieged coastal enclave struggling with food and water shortages, as well as safety concerns. The situation is further compounded by the looming threat of an Israeli ground offensive in response to a deadly attack by Hamas. The Israeli military, backed by an increasing presence of US warships in the region, is assembling along Gaza's border, preparing for a major operation to dismantle the militant group. (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: Is the Rafah border crossing the last hope for Gaza Palestinians?

Egypt on Thursday partially re-opened Rafah crossing which connects it with the Gaza strip. One way traffic into the Palestinian enclave is being allowed. Israel has eased import restrictions for the territory it has blockaded since 2007.

Rafah is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world that is not controlled by Israel. It was shuttered on Monday by Egypt without giving any reason.

Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and the Hamas Islamists who control the coastal enclave, has previously used Rafah closures as a punitive measure against Hamas.&nbsp;

Late Wednesday, Hamas's interior ministry announced that Rafah would open to incoming traffic on Thursday and to two-way traffic on Sunday.&nbsp;

People had begun to cross after midday, an AFP journalist said.&nbsp;

Hamas police made efforts to contain Wednesday's unrest by preventing people from approaching the border fence. &nbsp; 
The Israeli military branch responsible for civil affairs in Palestinian territories (COGAT) said more goods would be allowed to enter Gaza from Thursday.

They would includes "equipment for international civilian projects" and new vehicles, among other measures, it said in a statement.&nbsp;

Israel also agreed to boost by 1,000 the number of merchants allowed through its Erez crossing to Gaza.&nbsp;

"The civilian measures approved by the political echelon are conditional upon the continued preservation of the region's security stability, while further expansion of these measures will be examined in accordance with a situational security assessment," COGAT added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Egypt on Thursday partially re-opened Rafah crossing which connects it with the Gaza strip. One way traffic into the Palestinian enclave is being allowed. Israel has eased import restrictions for the territory it has blockaded since 2007.

Egypt on Thursday partially re-opened Rafah crossing which connects it with the Gaza strip. One way traffic into the Palestinian enclave is being allowed. Israel has eased import restrictions for the territory it has blockaded since 2007. Rafah is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world that is not controlled by Israel. It was shuttered on Monday by Egypt without giving any reason. Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and the Hamas Islamists who control the coastal enclave, has previously used Rafah closures as a punitive measure against Hamas. Late Wednesday, Hamas's interior ministry announced that Rafah would open to incoming traffic on Thursday and to two-way traffic on Sunday. People had begun to cross after midday, an AFP journalist said. Hamas police made efforts to contain Wednesday's unrest by preventing people from approaching the border fence. The Israeli military branch responsible for civil affairs in Palestinian territories (COGAT) said more goods would be allowed to enter Gaza from Thursday. They would includes "equipment for international civilian projects" and new vehicles, among other measures, it said in a statement. Israel also agreed to boost by 1,000 the number of merchants allowed through its Erez crossing to Gaza. "The civilian measures approved by the political echelon are conditional upon the continued preservation of the region's security stability, while further expansion of these measures will be examined in accordance with a situational security assessment," COGAT added. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt reopens Gaza crossing at Rafah

Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday, Egyptian security sources said. 
 
Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions, without giving details. 
 
According to two Egyptian security sources, the closure was made for security reasons following an escalation between Israel and Hamas on Saturday, with Israeli aircraft striking sites in Gaza after gunfire across Gaza's border with Israel earlier in the day. 
 
Rafah is the sole crossing between Egypt and Gaza, where an Israeli-led blockade has placed severe restrictions on the movement of goods and people for years. 
 
Egypt had opened the crossing indefinitely in February in what was described as an effort to encourage negotiations between Palestinian factions meeting at the time in Cairo. 
 
Egypt kept the crossing open during and after an 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in May, delivering aid and construction materials through Rafah after helping broker a truce between the two sides.

Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday, Egyptian security sources said. Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions, without giving details.

Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday, Egyptian security sources said. Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions, without giving details. According to two Egyptian security sources, the closure was made for security reasons following an escalation between Israel and Hamas on Saturday, with Israeli aircraft striking sites in Gaza after gunfire across Gaza's border with Israel earlier in the day. Rafah is the sole crossing between Egypt and Gaza, where an Israeli-led blockade has placed severe restrictions on the movement of goods and people for years. Egypt had opened the crossing indefinitely in February in what was described as an effort to encourage negotiations between Palestinian factions meeting at the time in Cairo. Egypt kept the crossing open during and after an 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in May, delivering aid and construction materials through Rafah after helping broker a truce between the two sides.

Egypt to close Rafah crossing with Gaza from Monday

The Palestinian Authority said Sunday it was withdrawing staff from the Rafah border post with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip to protest against "brutal practices" by rival faction Hamas.&nbsp;

"This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs" in the Gaza Strip, said the PA's civil affairs authority in a statement, quoted by official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

It accused Hamas of "summoning, arresting and abusing our employees", leading it to conclude that their presence was futile, the statement said.&nbsp;

Islamist movement Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 in a near civil war with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' Fatah party.

But the Palestinian Authority took control of Rafah in November 2017, as part of a deal that saw Egypt reopen a border that had been entirely shut from August that year and largely sealed for years before that. &nbsp;

"Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there," the statement said.

It said Egypt had made the reopening of Rafah — the only land crossing from the Gaza Strip to non-Palestinian territory beyond two posts with Israel — conditional on the PA being in-charge of it.&nbsp;

A Hamas spokesman said the PA's decision to withdraw "constitutes a new step by Mahmud Abbas in separating the West Bank from the Gaza Strip".&nbsp;

The PA is based in the city of Ramallah and only governs parts of the Israeli occupied West Bank, which is separated from the Gaza Strip by internationally recognised Israeli territory.

In late December, a Fatah spokesman accused Hamas of carrying out mass arrests of its members in the Gaza Strip. Hamas denied the allegation.

Several attempts to reconcile Fatah and Hamas have failed in recent years.&nbsp;

The internationally recognised PA has tightened pressure on Hamas in recent months by reducing the salaries of civil servants in Gaza, which has been squeezed by a long Israeli blockade.

The Palestinian Authority took control of Rafah in November 2017 as part of a deal that saw Egypt reopen a border.

The Palestinian Authority said Sunday it was withdrawing staff from the Rafah border post with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip to protest against "brutal practices" by rival faction Hamas. "This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs" in the Gaza Strip, said the PA's civil affairs authority in a statement, quoted by official Palestinian news agency WAFA. It accused Hamas of "summoning, arresting and abusing our employees", leading it to conclude that their presence was futile, the statement said. Islamist movement Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 in a near civil war with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' Fatah party. But the Palestinian Authority took control of Rafah in November 2017, as part of a deal that saw Egypt reopen a border that had been entirely shut from August that year and largely sealed for years before that. "Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there," the statement said. It said Egypt had made the reopening of Rafah — the only land crossing from the Gaza Strip to non-Palestinian territory beyond two posts with Israel — conditional on the PA being in-charge of it. A Hamas spokesman said the PA's decision to withdraw "constitutes a new step by Mahmud Abbas in separating the West Bank from the Gaza Strip". The PA is based in the city of Ramallah and only governs parts of the Israeli occupied West Bank, which is separated from the Gaza Strip by internationally recognised Israeli territory. In late December, a Fatah spokesman accused Hamas of carrying out mass arrests of its members in the Gaza Strip. Hamas denied the allegation. Several attempts to reconcile Fatah and Hamas have failed in recent years. The internationally recognised PA has tightened pressure on Hamas in recent months by reducing the salaries of civil servants in Gaza, which has been squeezed by a long Israeli blockade.

Palestinian Authority pulls staff from Rafah border crossing

Israeli warplanes hit Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Monday after a rocket fired by Palestinians slammed into southern Israel, the army said.

It did not elaborate on the targets but Palestinian security sources said several missiles were fired at farmland east of Rafah in the south of the coastal enclave.

Israeli &quot;fighter jets targeted underground infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip, in response to the projectile that was launched at Israel earlier,&quot; an army statement said.

No casualties were reported in either incident.

The strikes followed fierce exchanges over the weekend in which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-after-blast-wounds-four-soldiers-33212" target="_blank">Israeli ground forces killed two Palestinian teenagers</a> in the enclave in cross-border fire.

Warplanes also pounded 18 Hamas facilities in two waves of air strikes, according to the Israeli military.

Those raids were in response to an explosion Saturday in which four Israeli soldiers inspecting the border fence were injured by an apparent Palestinian booby trap.

Two of the men were severely wounded but their lives were not in danger, the army said.

The blast and the retaliatory fire marked one of the most serious escalations in the Hamas-ruled territory since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014.

The strikes followed fierce exchanges over the weekend in which Israeli ground forces killed two Palestinian teenagers in the enclave in cross-border fire

Israeli warplanes hit Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Monday after a rocket fired by Palestinians slammed into southern Israel, the army said. It did not elaborate on the targets but Palestinian security sources said several missiles were fired at farmland east of Rafah in the south of the coastal enclave. Israeli "fighter jets targeted underground infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip, in response to the projectile that was launched at Israel earlier," an army statement said. No casualties were reported in either incident. The strikes followed fierce exchanges over the weekend in which Israeli ground forces killed two Palestinian teenagers in the enclave in cross-border fire. Warplanes also pounded 18 Hamas facilities in two waves of air strikes, according to the Israeli military. Those raids were in response to an explosion Saturday in which four Israeli soldiers inspecting the border fence were injured by an apparent Palestinian booby trap. Two of the men were severely wounded but their lives were not in danger, the army said. The blast and the retaliatory fire marked one of the most serious escalations in the Hamas-ruled territory since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014.

Israeli warplanes hit Gaza again after new rocket attack

Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in Gaza in a flare-up after soldiers were wounded by an explosive device along the Palestinian enclave&#39;s border, Gaza medical sources said Sunday.

The fatalities were identified by the Gaza health ministry as Salam Sabah and Abdullah Abu Sheikha, both 17, who were killed during a strike east of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-after-blast-wounds-four-soldiers-33212" target="_blank">Israeli jets hit Gaza after IED wounds four soldiers</a>

According to Palestinian eye witnesses, the two were killed by shots near the border.

The Israeli army said that its forces had fired &quot;warning shots&quot; at a number of Palestinians approaching the border fence &quot;in a suspicious manner&quot;.

Their death comes after Israel launched a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-after-blast-wounds-four-soldiers-33212" target="_blank">series of air strikes</a> targeting 18 &quot;terror targets belonging to Hamas&quot; in Gaza, after the explosive device wounded soldiers and a projectile from Gaza hit in an Israeli border town.

The fatalities were identified by the Gaza health ministry as Salam Sabah and Abdullah Abu Sheikha, both 17, who were killed during a strike east of Rafah in southern Gaza

Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in Gaza in a flare-up after soldiers were wounded by an explosive device along the Palestinian enclave's border, Gaza medical sources said Sunday. The fatalities were identified by the Gaza health ministry as Salam Sabah and Abdullah Abu Sheikha, both 17, who were killed during a strike east of Rafah in southern Gaza. Also read: Israeli jets hit Gaza after IED wounds four soldiers According to Palestinian eye witnesses, the two were killed by shots near the border. The Israeli army said that its forces had fired "warning shots" at a number of Palestinians approaching the border fence "in a suspicious manner". Their death comes after Israel launched a series of air strikes targeting 18 "terror targets belonging to Hamas" in Gaza, after the explosive device wounded soldiers and a projectile from Gaza hit in an Israeli border town.

Two Palestinians killed by Israeli Army: Medics

rafah

Rafah, News on Rafah, stories on Rafah, articles on Rafah, Rafah stories at Wion, Rafah news, Rafah latest news