Residents of southern Gaza say that the Israeli army launched an airstrike on the city of Rafah on Monday, just hours after telling Palestinians to evacuate parts of the southern city. More than one million people displaced by the war have taken refuge there. Earlier, the Israeli army stated in a notice that it would act strongly against 'terrorist organizations' in Rafah, warning that anyone in the area risks their life. According to Reuters, there was no immediate comment from Israel regarding the reported attacks. Al-Aqsa TV, affiliated with Hamas, reported that Israel targeted areas in eastern Rafah, near neighborhoods it had ordered to evacuate. On Monday, the Israeli army warned residents of the eastern parts of Rafah in southern Gaza to move to an area it calls a 'broadened humanitarian zone,' which now includes Khan Younis. The Israeli army has stated that it is planning a powerful attack on Rafah. In response to this warning, the White House announced on Monday that President Joe Biden would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Barak Ravid, an Axios reporter, wrote on social media platform X that a spokesperson for the National Security Council told him that Washington still believes that an agreement for the release of remaining hostages held by the Palestinian group Hamas and refraining from attacking Rafah, where 'more than one million people have taken refuge,' is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages. Those negotiations are currently ongoing. According to Israeli officials, this war began with Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the taking of around 250 hostages. About 100 of the hostages were released during a week-long ceasefire in late November. Israel's warning to Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah; Biden to speak with Netanyahu; Hamas: Ceasefire negotiations have ended; Israel: Military operations 'in the near future' are ahead.
Israel Launches Airstrike Hours After Evacuation Order for Parts of Rafah
Israel launched an airstrike on Rafah shortly after issuing an evacuation order to Palestinians in the area, where over a million displaced individuals are sheltering. The situation escalated following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, leading to significant casualties and hostage situations. This development is critical as it highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the complex dynamics of international negotiations.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Israel launched an airstrike on Rafah in southern Gaza after ordering evacuations, amid ongoing tensions with Hamas.
- Israel issued an evacuation order for parts of Rafah before the airstrike.
- The White House is involved in negotiations regarding hostages held by Hamas.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has deep historical roots, with recent escalations following a major attack by Hamas on October 7.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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