All articles tagged with #rafah
New satellite analysis shows rapid expansion of Israeli military sites across Gaza—especially Rafah—with permanent outposts, fortifications, and new roads emerging while civilian rubble removal slows; a touted US plan to rebuild Rafah appears stalled, and the broader 'New Rafah' concept and the 'yellow line' border are shaping a permanent frontier amid ongoing violence and disputed ceasefire commitments.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 13 people, including two boys, a pregnant woman, and nine police officers, with a strike on a home in Nuseirat and another on a police vehicle. The deaths underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis as Gaza endures war, while the Rafah crossing is planned to partially reopen for limited passenger movement amid thousands awaiting medical treatment and supplies.
Israel says four Hamas militants exited a Rafah tunnel, opened fire on the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade, and were killed in return fire. The incident occurred in eastern Rafah within the Israeli-controlled Yellow Line area amid ongoing tunnel-clearing operations; Hamas had been offered safe surrender previously but rejected it, and the violence marks a renewed breach after a similar incident earlier in the week.
The IDF says eight terrorists emerged from Rafah tunnels and were struck by airstrikes, killing three; additional strikes targeted escape routes as the hunt for the remaining militants continues, amid ongoing plans to reopen the Rafah Crossing and Hamas disarmament talks.
A retired Israeli general claims Israel has cleared land in Rafah, southern Gaza, to build a large camp that could house hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and be equipped with entry surveillance and facial-recognition technology. The camp would accommodate Palestinians who wish to leave Gaza or stay, with ID checks. Israel’s military declined to comment; officials have discussed Rafah plans amid broader war-readiness and potential reopening of the border, while Hamas calls the idea a cover for forced displacement.
Israel says it is conducting a large-scale operation in Gaza to locate the final hostage, Ran Gvili, as U.S.-backed ceasefire negotiations press toward a second phase and a possible reopening of the Rafah crossing. The search, described in detail including a cemetery near the yellow line and involvement of rabbis and dental experts, comes amid mounting pressure and contrasting statements from Hamas. Separately, a UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem was set ablaze, prompting questions about attacks on aid agencies amid the broader conflict.
Hamas leaders in Qatar mourned Abdallah Hamad, a Hamas operative killed by the IDF in Rafah, amid reports of recent Israeli strikes on Hamas tunnels and leadership, highlighting ongoing conflict and Hamas' unity demonstration.
Israeli soldiers engaged with terrorists emerging from tunnels in southern Gaza, killing three of four identified terrorists, amid ongoing efforts to dismantle terror tunnels in Rafah. The IDF also targeted additional terror sites, and Israel reached a deal with the US to deport 200 terrorists hiding in tunnels below Rafah, though no country has agreed to accept them yet. The situation remains developing.
Israel and Jared Kushner reached a deal to allow approximately 200 Hamas operatives trapped in Rafah tunnels to be evacuated unharmed, but no country has agreed to receive them, and international pressure complicates the situation amid ongoing tensions and negotiations.
Hamas has declared that terrorists in Rafah will not surrender to Israel, complicating efforts to maintain a ceasefire and disarm Hamas forces, with mediation proposals involving safe passage and disarmament in exchange for surrender. The situation remains tense, with ongoing violence and negotiations.
Hamas fighters in Rafah refuse to surrender to Israel amid ongoing mediation efforts, with Egypt proposing a deal for safe passage in exchange for disarmament and tunnel disclosures. The situation threatens the ceasefire, with continued violence and casualties on both sides, including the transfer of bodies and ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
The IDF chief announced that terrorists in Rafah will either surrender or be eliminated, with ongoing efforts to destroy tunnels and secure hostages, amid proposals for a demilitarized Gaza city and negotiations involving Hamas and Egypt. Tensions remain high over military strategies and ceasefire conditions.
Egyptian mediators proposed that Hamas fighters holed up in Rafah surrender their weapons and reveal tunnel locations in exchange for safe passage, as part of efforts to maintain the Gaza ceasefire. Israel and Hamas have yet to accept the proposal, which aims to prevent further attacks and safeguard the truce, amid ongoing negotiations and tensions in the region.
Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on Rafah in southern Gaza following clashes between Hamas gunmen and a militia reportedly supported by Israel, with no immediate casualties reported. Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, while Israel maintained control of the area amid ongoing tensions.
Hamas negotiators are skeptical about reaching a Gaza ceasefire with Israel due to disagreements over Israeli troop withdrawals, aid distribution, and conditions for a long-term truce, with Israel's plans for a 'humanitarian city' and demands for disarmament complicating negotiations.