Israeli military takes Rafah crossing after Hamas accepts ceasefire deal - Gaza live

Israel has promised to continue with their ground operation in Rafah, and tanks have been spotted near the Gaza border in preparation.

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The Israeli military has confirmed that they have seized command of the Palestinian territory of the Rafah crossing, which is near Egypt in the southern area of Gaza.

The Israeli military issued a statement stating that their ground troops commenced a targeted counterterrorism operation in eastern Rafah. The goal was to eradicate Hamas terrorists in specific regions, using military and security intelligence to guide their operations.

Joe Biden, the president of the United States, has cautioned Israel about starting a military operation in Rafah as groups focused on aiding people in crisis, headed by the United Nations, have cautioned that carrying out such an action would result in a very violent and deadly event.

Over 34,000 individuals from Palestine have lost their lives since the conflict began following an offensive by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, resulting in the death of 1,200 individuals. Currently, approximately 1.4 million citizens are displaced in Rafah, seeking refuge from the ongoing war in other parts of the area that has already been reduced to rubble by Israel.

Hamas declared that they have agreed to a ceasefire proposal presented by Egypt and Qatar, bringing an end to the seven-month war in Gaza. However, the likelihood of an agreement is uncertain as Israel denied the proposal, claiming that it does not meet their essential requirements.

'Choked Off' Gaza Aid Due To Crossing Closures, Say UN Agencies

The southern Gaza Strip is now practically isolated from the outside world as the United Nations has confirmed that the two major entry points remain closed. This has resulted in limited access to aid and very few nearby stores.

According to a spokesperson from the humanitarian office of the international organization, Israel has closed off entry points for both aid and individuals at the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, due to their "limited scope" military operation in Rafah. This affects approximately one million displaced individuals seeking shelter in the area.

He said that the primary channels for delivering assistance to Gaza are currently obstructed. Additionally, the UN organizations have very limited supplies inside Gaza because the essential materials are quickly utilized. Moreover, there is only enough fuel to last for a single day in the region.

He stated that if there is no supply of fuel for an extended period, it would severely impact the humanitarian efforts. A spokesperson from the World Health Organization stated that there would be no allowances made for patients who are ill or injured when questioned by a journalist.

Even though a few supplies that are not related to fuel have been brought in through the northern Erez crossing, the United Nations agencies have pointed out that it is not enough and problematic to send them to Rafah due to the danger of crossing areas where there is ongoing fighting.

Tom Watling posted a blog on May 7th, 2024 at 11:50 am.

Macklemore Drops Pro-Palestine Vid 'Hind's Hall'

Named Hind's Hall, the song draws inspiration from the ongoing global student demonstrations.

The article also honors Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza as she was hoping for assistance.

Macklemore made an announcement on X, earlier known as Twitter, on Monday evening (6 May) about his latest track. He mentioned that all the money earned from the song will go to charity.

Macklemore has announced that he will donate all of the earnings from his song to the UNRWA.

Macklemore Drops Pro-Palestine Vid 'Hind's Hall'

Macklemore dropped a fresh tune called "Hind's Hall," which is inspired by the global student movements and dedicated to the late Hind Rajab. The six-year-old Palestinian girl was tragically killed by the Israeli army in Gaza while seeking aid. Macklemore made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday night (6 May), confirming that the profits from this song would be contributed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Tom Watling posted a blog entry on May 7th, 2024 at 11:30.

Egypt Denounces Israel's Attack On Rafah

Egypt has criticized the military action by Israel in Rafah, which is the only region in Gaza that hasn't been taken over yet.

Over the weekend, Egypt and Qatar jointly proposed a ceasefire initiative that was endorsed by Hamas but dismissed by Israel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt expressed their disapproval of the military actions happening in Rafah and the Israeli authority over the Palestinian section. They believe that this risky increase jeopardizes the well-being of over a million Palestinians who rely on this pathway as their primary support. The establishment implores Israel to show restraint in handling the situation.

Tom Watling posted a blog on May 7, 2024 at 11:10.

Explosions Near Aid Centre Wake Norwegian Refugee Council

A group that provides assistance to people in need in Gaza reported that they were jolted awake by the noise of airstrikes and loud blasts in Rafah, located close to where they have been distributing aid to Palestinian citizens affected by Israel's conflict.

On Tuesday morning, Israel initiated an attack in Rafah, a city located in the southern region of Gaza.

According to Ahmed Bayram, who speaks for the Norwegian Refugee Council and is currently in Rafah, the recent attack by Israel is beyond what could be considered acceptable or imaginable.

According to what he told The Independent, the aid team woke up to the noise of nearby airstrikes and loud explosions.

Individuals who were utilizing cars, buses, and horse carts have dismantled their shelters and departed from their locations, not only in regions where Israel directed them to evacuate but also in the central and western parts of Rafah.

It is unimaginable to consider carrying out a military mission in the midst of a population that is already struggling with extreme poverty. This action would not only result in more tragic loss of lives, including innocent families and children, but it would also greatly harm the aid process that heavily depends on the Rafah crossing to provide essential supplies such as food, water, and shelter.

We strongly encourage Israel's supporters to advocate for a total annulment of this proposal and for all parties to adopt the sole feasible option: an unconditional and lasting stoppage of hostilities.

Tom Watling posted on May 7, 2024 at 10:50.

IDF Official Queries Rafah Residents' Safety During Israeli Strikes

Tom Watling posted a blog on May 7th, 2024 at 10:30 AM.

Israel Readies For Rafah Assault Despite Hamas Ceasefire Bid

Israel disregarded the worry of the international community and commanded a partial evacuation of Rafah - the sole sanctuary in Gaza, where 1.4 million distressed civilians are preparing for an imminent invasion on the ground that the United Nations cautioned could result in a "massacre".

Leaders from the western countries showed their disappointment over Israel's intention to attack the small region despite the efforts by Hamas to negotiate a short-term truce.

Tom Watling wrote a blog entry on May 7th, 2024 at 10:11.

Siren Alerts Sound At South Gaza Crossing

According to the Israeli military, there were siren alerts at the Kerem Shalom Crossing in southern Gaza.

Tom Watling posted in the blog on May 7th, 2024 at 9:48 am.

US Official: Decipher Biden's Evolving Stance On Israel

Despite warnings from the United States, Netanyahu remains committed to carrying out an assault on Rafah. Andrew Feinberg interviews officials from Israel and the United States to gather insights on what potential ramifications there may be as a result of this decision.

Tom Watling wrote a blog on May 7th, 2024 at 9:30.

"Rafah Palestinians Flee After Israeli Evacuation Notice"

Photographs have depicted Palestinian individuals running away from Rafah after being instructed by the Israeli authorities to leave the region before the commencement of a land invasion.

Earlier today, tanks belonging to Israel made their way into the eastern parts of the Rafah crossing. As they approached, they repeatedly drove over signs that had been put up to welcome people to Gaza. Apparently, there had been attacks in that region on Tuesday that resulted in the loss of 20 lives, as per the reports published by Palestine's Wafa news agency.

Tom Watling posted a blog on May 7th, 2024 at 9:10am.

"Israel Launches Rafah Offensive: Gaza Death Toll At 35,000"

Gaza's health ministry recently released an updated statement revealing that the military operation conducted by Israel in the region has resulted in 34,789 Palestinian fatalities and 78,204 injuries.

The Wafa media company from Palestine shared a news update early today claiming that a total of 20 Palestinian people, with women and children among them, have died due to Israeli airstrikes. The report also mentions that someone else was killed because of a strike on Gaza City which took place in the northern area.

Tom Watling posted this blog on May 7th, 2024 at 9am.