Rafah

Israel Intensifies Attacks on Gaza Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks

Hamas stated no progress in ceasefire talks with Israel but remains open to a permanent ceasefire. Israel intensified airstrikes on Gaza, killing 43 Palestinians in the last 24 hours, including children in Rafah, Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, and Shujaiya. The international community, including the Arab League, EU, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, condemned Israel's legalisation of five new settlements. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi condemned the attacks and supported Palestinian relief efforts. Since October, 115,000 Gazans have crossed into Egypt. Since October 7, at least 37,877 Palestinians have been killed and 86,969 wounded.

Israeli Forces Kill Five Palestinians in Nuseirat, Destroy Buildings in Rafah

Five Palestinians were killed and 17 wounded in Israeli attacks on two homes in the Nuseirat refugee camp, and Israeli forces destroyed buildings in central Rafah using explosives. After 250 days of war, Israel has killed 15,694 Palestinian children and orphaned 17,000 others. Since October 7, at least 37,232 Palestinians have been killed and 85,037 wounded. Hamas has shown 'full positivity' in ceasefire efforts, but US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called some Hamas-proposed changes not workable. Fighting continues in Rafah, with Hamas fighters engaging Israeli troops. More than half of Gaza's agricultural land has been degraded due to Israeli bombing, according to UN satellite analysis. UNRWA faces operational challenges as Israel frequently prevents aid delivery and has alleged UNRWA involvement in the October attack, though a review found no evidence. Israel declared in March it would no longer work with UNRWA but maintains contact.

Israeli Airstrikes Kill 21 Palestinians in Rafah

Israeli forces shelled a tent camp west of Rafah, killing at least 21 Palestinians, including 13 women and girls. Bombs used in a separate deadly airstrike killing 50 civilians were of US manufacture. UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Israel's ground invasion of Rafah, which displaced over one million. The Rafah crossing closure worsened humanitarian crisis. Since 7 October, at least 36,171 Palestinians killed. Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized the state of Palestine, angering Israel which recalled ambassadors. International courts called for end to military operations, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of war crimes.

Israeli Forces Kill 46 Palestinians in Continued Attacks on Safe Zone in Gaza

Israeli forces bombed a tent camp in al-Mawasi, a designated safe zone in western Rafah, killing 46 Palestinians and injuring 110 across Gaza in the last 24 hours. The Kuwait Specialty Hospital in Rafah was forced to shut due to continuous attacks. South Africa condemned the attack. Since the start of the war, at least 36,096 Palestinians have been killed and 81,136 wounded.

Israeli Bombing of Rafah ‘Safe Zone’ Kills At Least 50 Palestinians

Israeli forces bombed a tent camp in the Tal as-Sultan area of Rafah, a designated safe zone, killing at least 50 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The attack is part of broader airstrikes over 24 hours that killed at least 160 people across Gaza. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that many were burned alive and hospitals are overwhelmed. Israel confirmed the strike, claiming it targeted Hamas fighters with precision weaponry, and acknowledged civilian harm due to a fire. The attack followed a Hamas rocket barrage at Tel Aviv. International reactions include calls for investigation by the International Criminal Court and ceasefire demands by Amnesty International. The conflict has killed at least 35,984 Palestinians since October 7.

Israel Rejects ICJ Order to Halt Rafah Assault

Israel rejected a binding ICJ order to halt its assault on Rafah, calling it 'outrageous, morally repugnant and disgusting.' Despite the order, Israeli forces advanced into southeastern Rafah and pushed towards western districts. The humanitarian crisis worsened with food and medical shortages. Israeli strikes killed at least three Palestinians in Wadi Gaza. Egypt agreed to allow UN aid through the Karem Abu Salem crossing. Italy announced 35 million euros in new funding for Palestinians, with 5 million via UNRWA. The death toll since October 7 stands at 35,903 Palestinians.

Israel’s Continued Blockade of Aid and Attacks Deepen Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The UN has suspended food distribution in Rafah, southern Gaza, as Israel continues to block aid and intensify attacks. A US$320 million US-built pier project has not distributed aid; 569 tonnes remain undistributed. The World Food Programme (WFP) ceased distribution in Rafah after exhausting stocks. Disruptions by extremist Jewish settlers reduced deliveries to 5 of 11 trucks. 1.1 million people face catastrophic hunger. Israel's incursion into Rafah since 6 May worsened the crisis. WFP is re-evaluating logistics and cooperating with USAID.

Palestinians Vow Continued Resistance as Israel Keeps Pounding Gaza

Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, vow continued confrontation of Israeli ground invasion of Rafah and other areas in Gaza. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida states resistance stems from rightful land ownership, not military power, and claims successes targeting over 100 Israeli armoured vehicles. Israeli military claims control over half of the Philadelphia Corridor. Over 630,000 Palestinians fled from Rafah and 100,000 from northern Gaza. Fighting in Jabalia and Rafah. Islam Khamaysa, Jenin Brigades commander, killed in Israeli attack on Jenin refugee camp, leaving eight wounded. Israeli forces attacked Faisal bin Fahd School, killing one. Over 35,303 Palestinians killed and 79,261 wounded since October 7. Demonstrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, demand end to Israel's military campaign.

Staff at Rafah’s Kuwaiti Hospital Ordered to Evacuate as Israeli Military Offensive Intensifies

Israeli forces ordered staff at Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah to evacuate as military offensive intensifies. At least 20 killed, 360,000 displaced from Rafah. UNRWA warns no safe refuge. Gaza health system on verge of collapse due to fuel shortage. Egypt announces intention to join South Africa's ICJ genocide case against Israel. South Africa hosted Global Anti-Apartheid Conference. Since war began, 35,034 Palestinians killed.

Israel Seizes Key Border Crossing as Rafah Invasion Begins

Israel initiated a major military offensive in Rafah, Gaza, seizing a key border crossing and cutting off aid. This occurs despite Hamas accepting a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The US has cautioned Israel, while the UN Secretary-General warned of a humanitarian catastrophe. The US military completed a Gaza aid pier but deployment is delayed. Israel closed the Kerem Shalom border post. Thousands of Palestinians have fled Rafah. Aid agencies warn of fuel shortages.

Israel Moves Forward With Rafah Offensive Despite Hamas’ Acceptance of Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh announced acceptance of a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Israel, through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, stated the proposal falls short of its demands but agreed to send a delegation to Cairo for further negotiations. Israel's war cabinet resolved to sustain military operations against Rafah and carried out heavy airstrikes. Israel issued evacuation orders for approximately 100,000 Palestinians from eastern Rafah to an 'expanded humanitarian zone' near the coast and Khan Younis. Over 1.4 million displaced people are in Rafah. Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire, while Israel seeks to resume operations after any truce. Reports describe a large exodus of residents.

Israeli Army Issues Evacuation Order in Rafah

The Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah, warning of imminent use of extreme force in southern Gaza. A night of bombardment killed 22 Palestinians, including eight children. The evacuation order came as truce negotiations in Cairo stalled. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that a ground offensive would 'put the final nail in the coffin' for humanitarian aid. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the potential assault 'completely unacceptable.' US President Joe Biden and other officials cautioned against the offensive. Aid agencies warned of worsening humanitarian crisis.

Israeli PM Approves Plans for Attack on Rafah Amid Rising Palestinian Death Toll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved plans to attack Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, which shelters over one million displaced people. The decision was made during a war cabinet meeting; no timeline was provided. US President Joe Biden called it a 'red line' if civilian protections are not assured. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the attack and urged a humanitarian truce. Hamas proposed a 40-day ceasefire and hostage release. Netanyahu dismissed the demands as unrealistic but agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Qatar. The White House considered the proposal within bounds of recent discussions. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri accused Netanyahu of genocide. Since October 7, at least 31,341 Palestinians have been killed. A UNICEF report found 31% of children under two in northern Gaza suffer acute malnutrition. A Spanish ship began unloading food via a maritime corridor. Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians awaiting aid at the Kuwait roundabout, wounding over 150. A previous incident on February 29 killed 118.

Israeli Strike Destroys Rafah Tower, Kills Civilians in Nuseirat, Southern Lebanon

An Israeli strike destroyed a residential tower in Rafah housing 300 residents, who received a 30-minute warning to evacuate at night. At least 13 women and children were killed in attacks on Nuseirat refugee camp. A family of five was killed and nine injured in southern Lebanon. Canada and Sweden restored funding to UNRWA. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh urged Israel's allies to intervene. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the attack on Rafah. Since October 7, 30,960 Palestinians have been killed and 72,524 injured. Over 1000 mosques have been destroyed. A ship loaded with humanitarian aid for Gaza prepared to depart from Cyprus, with the European Commission aiming to open a maritime corridor by Sunday. The US announced a plan to establish a temporary offshore pier for aid, with the Gen Frank S. Besson vessel departing.

ICJ Calls for Immediate Implementation of Measures as Israel Prepares for Full-Scale Military Assault on Rafah

Egypt Prepares Border Area for Palestinian Exodus as Israeli Offensive Into Rafah Looms

Israel Kills 67 Palestinians in Rafah as Tensions Rise

Israeli air and sea attacks on Rafah killed at least 67 Palestinians overnight, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Concerns rise over Israel's planned ground offensive on Rafah. A senior Hamas leader warned that such an offensive could jeopardize captive exchange negotiations. US President Joe Biden reportedly discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need for a safety plan to protect over one million people sheltering in Rafah. Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 28,340 Palestinians and injured 67,984. Two captives, Louis Norberto Har and Fernando Simon Marman, were rescued by the Israeli military. Hamas initially seized around 240 captives on October 7; about 134 remain in Gaza after a truce in November. Hamas has proposed a three-phase plan for the release of all captives, but Netanyahu has rejected it, vowing to continue until absolute victory. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Gaza has no safe places, with many families evacuated up to 10 times.

Israel’s War on Gaza: Netanyahu’s Plans for Ground Invasion of Rafah Spark Panic

Israel has killed 44 Palestinians, including 12 children, in airstrikes on Rafah. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare plans for a ground invasion of Rafah and evacuation of civilians, causing widespread panic. Hamas warned of catastrophic repercussions. The US, a key ally, criticized the plans; President Biden called Israel's response 'over the top' and pushed for a ceasefire. Netanyahu rejected Hamas's ceasefire proposal, insisting on absolute victory. EU Foreign Policy Chief Borrell warned of humanitarian catastrophe. The death toll in Gaza reached 28,064. US Senator Sanders criticized proposed $14 billion military aid to Israel, and Trump suggested a loan instead. Egypt warned of disastrous consequences if Israel invades Rafah.

Israeli PM Orders Evacuation of Civilians Amid Planned Attack on Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to plan for evacuating civilians from Rafah and combating Hamas. The Palestinian UN envoy questioned where civilians would go. UN Chief Antonio Guterres noted that half of Gaza's 2.3 million population is crammed into Rafah. Israeli snipers killed at least 21 people outside Nasser Hospital. At least 27,947 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, with 67,459 wounded. Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinians in Beit Ummar. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese stated Israel is in breach of ICJ orders to prevent genocide. The ICJ gave Israel until February 23 to report compliance. South Africa initiated the ICJ case, and Nicaragua seeks to join. The US opposed an Algerian UN Security Council resolution endorsing ICJ orders and a ceasefire. At least 1,755 Palestinians have been killed since the ICJ order.

Israeli PM Orders Military To Prepare for Ground Invasion of Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to prepare for a ground invasion of Rafah, rejecting Hamas' truce plan. Talks for a ceasefire are set to resume in Egypt, but the upcoming Ramadan adds political pressure. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that a ground invasion would worsen the humanitarian crisis. About 1.2 million people are sheltering in Rafah. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed captives' release with Israel's war cabinet. In overnight airstrikes, Israel killed 14 Palestinians, including five children. Since October 7, Israel has killed over 27,840 people, mostly women and children, and destroyed over 80% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure. The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to ensure essential services and aid. Canada stated that Israeli claims about UNRWA employees' involvement in the October 7 attack have not been substantiated.