Rafah

Israel strikes southern Gaza and orders new evacuation

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The death toll since the start of the Israel-Hamas war has now passed 50,000.

Nearly 180 detainees released by Israel, Hamas

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As part of the cease-fire deal, Israel and Egypt on Saturday opened the Rafah border crossing, which has been closed for months.

POLITICO’s most-read stories of 2024

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Elections, war and porn: The stories that captured your attention over the past 12 months.

Israel ‘methodically destroying’ Gaza, say health workers

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Visiting doctors share eyewitness accounts after a U.N. inquiry accused Israel of war crimes by targeting Gaza’s health system.

Killing of Hamas leader renews US hopes for cease-fire in Gaza

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Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israel to wrap up its military operations in Gaza, arguing that a key obstacle to a cease-fire and hostage release deal has now been eliminated.

The EU’s most pointless job

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Josep Borrell loves to condemn things — sometimes in the “strongest possible terms.” Does it ever have any impact?

Progress toward Gaza cease-fire in peril after Israeli hostage deaths

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Recent optimism has deflated and worries mount that tensions between Israeli leadership and Hamas will only continue to increase.

Israel recovers bodies of 6 hostages, including a US citizen

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The bodies were located in an underground tunnel in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip.

Israel privately pressures Biden admin to fast-track more weapons during Netanyahu visit

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The delegation traveling with the prime minister is circulating a list that lays out weapons systems they want greenlit.

We volunteered at a Gaza hospital. What we saw was unspeakable.

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American surgeons who witnessed the civilian carnage of the Israel-Hamas war.

Famine will loom over Gaza as long as conflict rages, report warns

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Latest data shows that more than half of the population often doesn’t have any food to eat, nearly nine months into Israel’s bombardment and siege of the enclave.

US to Hezbollah: Don’t count on us to stop an Israeli attack

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The messaging comes as American officials seem more resigned to the likelihood of an escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Netanyahu says ‘intense’ phase of Gaza war nearing end

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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday (23 June) that “intense” fighting against Hamas militants in the southern Gaza city of Rafah is nearly over, more than eight months into the devastating war.

‘No one knows what he’s going to say’ — White House fears mount about Bibi’s Washington visit

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The Israeli prime minister’s video this week, accusing the U.S. of withholding military aid, has raised the stakes (and the concerns) about his July 24 speech.

Israeli army to pause some Gaza fighting during the day for humanitarian aid

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Military to suspend fighting along a road in southern Gaza during certain hours to allow aid deliveries to reach Palestinians.

Biden’s Israel policy may hasten Trump’s rise, US allies fear

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As the president begins his last international trip before the election, the fear in the crowd is that conflict in Gaza is tripping him up.

You need our air defenses, Israeli arms maker tells Europe

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Israel’s air-defense systems are a model for Europe as the threat of Putin looms, argues the CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries.

Spain to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel

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The EU has largely remained silent on the case before the International Court of Justice.

France bans Israeli companies from major weapons show over Rafah assault

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Paris to Israeli arms merchants: Sorry, you’re not welcome.

Finland opposes calls for EU trade sanctions on Israel

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Trade ministers are discussing the EU’s trade deal with Israel.

As the Rafah crisis deepens, could Gaza war threaten the US-UK relationship?

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Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, host Anne McElvoy asks Jane Hartley, United States ambassador to the United Kingdom, about the future of the transatlantic “special relationship.” Hartley discussed the future of U.S.-U.K. relations in light of the International Criminal Court seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; revealed […]

US ambassador backs Starmer’s split from Lammy on ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu

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“I think Keir has been tough and strong with his membership,” says U.S. ambassador to the U.K. of Starmer’s messaging on the Gaza conflict.

Norway’s PM: Why we recognized the state of Palestine

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Only a two-state solution can provide security, prosperity and hope for the people of both Israel and Palestine.

Israel-Palestine debate seizes French National Assembly after Rafah offensive

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Scuffles and slurs ensued after a hard-left parliamentarian raised a Palestinian flag in the National Assembly.

‘FINISH THEM,’ Nikki Haley scribbles on Israeli artillery shell

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The failed Republican presidential candidate wants the U.S. to do “whatever Israel needs” in its war on Hamas.

Deadly Rafah strike doesn’t cross Biden’s ‘red line’

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The U.S. may not be happy with the civilian deaths Rafah, but they’re within the boundaries of what it’ll accept.

French parliament suspended after MP waves Palestinian flag – video

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The head of France’s national assembly suspended the lower house after Sébastien Delogu, a deputy of the hard-left La France Insoumise (LFI) party, waved a Palestinian flag to draw attention to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza while a junior trade minis…

Tanks reach centre of Rafah as attacks mount and Israel’s isolation grows

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Three countries recognise Palestinian state and UN calls emergency meeting amid international horror at Israel’s offensive Middle East crisis – live updatesTanks reached the middle of Rafah on Tuesday as Israel’s global isolation deepened, with three E…

‘We respect you’: Ireland’s PM announces formal recognition of Palestine – video

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Ireland’s prime minister, Simon Harris, announced his country’s decision to recognise Palestine in the Dáil on Tuesday, a week after Dublin joined Spain and Norway, pledging to do so. Addressing parliamentarians, Harris said: ‘Recognition is a message …

EU’s Charles Michel backs recognition of Palestinian statehood

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Meanwhile, the Belgian presidency of the Council of EU is trying to find a common position among the 27 member countries of the bloc.

EU erwägt Israel-Sanktionen wegen Rafah-Offensive

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Das Briefing dazu, wie sich Entscheidungen in Brüssel auf Sie auswirken. Mit dem Wissen des größten Newsrooms der europäischen Hauptstadt. Im Browser anzeigen oder hier anhören von JÜRGEN KLÖCKNER mit LAURA HÜLSEMANN und JULIUS BRINKMANN DIE TOP-THEMEN — Brüssels Ultimatum an Israel: Wegen der voranschreitenden Offensive in Rafah erwägt die EU wirtschaftliche Sanktionen. Deutschland zögert.  […]

Netanyahu calls Rafah strike ‘tragic mistake’ amid global outcry

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According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Sunday night’s strike killed at least 45 Palestinians and wounded almost 200 others taking shelter in tents for displaced people in Rafah.

EU foreign ministers discuss sanctions against Israel

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“For the first time at an EU meeting, in a real way, I’ve seen significant discussion on sanctions and ‘what if’,” Ireland’s foreign minister said.

‘No longer justifiable’: European leaders condemn Israel’s strike on refugee camp

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Israel’s actions are “incompatible with international law,” German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said.

EU and Arab ministers to discuss Gaza war, future two-state solution

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EU foreign ministers will meet with their six counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE in Brussels on Monday (27 May) for the second time in a few months to discuss efforts to end Israel’s war on Gaza.

EU’s top diplomat slams ‘Israeli occupation authorities’

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Josep Borrell’s home country, Spain, is taking the lead in the latest push to support Palestinian statehood, a step so far not backed by most EU countries.

Israel’s actions are ‘incompatible with international law,’ says Germany’s Habeck

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Habeck’s remarks represent a shift in rhetoric by senior German officials, who have been reluctant to make such direct accusations.

Israel intensifies Rafah attacks, defying Court of Justice ruling

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Israeli officials condemned the ICJ ruling, calling the charges of genocide “false, outrageous and morally repugnant.”

World Court orders Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah

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The International Court of Justice (ICJ), ordered Israel on Friday (24 May) to halt its offensive in Rafah, marking a landmark emergency ruling on a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in its assault on the Gaza Strip.

Israel must halt Rafah offensive, orders UN top court

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ICJ cites “immediate risk” to Palestinians.

World Court to rule on request to halt Israel’s Rafah offensive

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Judges at the UN’s top court will rule on Friday (24 May) on South Africa’s request to order Israel to halt its Rafah offensive and withdraw from Gaza, part of a wider case accusing Israel of genocide.

Netanyahu case will make or break the ICC

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The Hague court is coming in for scrutiny over Israel-Hamas moves.

Biden: What’s happening in Gaza ‘is not genocide’

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The president emphasized his backing of Israel, aiming to quell frustrations he’d conditioned aid.

Which European states stand with Palestine?

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As Israel widens the scope of its invasion of Gaza to the southern city of Rafah, four EU countries have today decided to officially recognise the state of Palestine, in line with the long-touted proposal for a ‘two-state solution’ to the Israel-Palest…

Blinken orders crackdown on Israel-Hamas leaks

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The secretary’s message has been delivered to every corner of the State Department.

Rift in Israel’s war cabinet over postwar Gaza plan

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Benny Gantz and Yoav Gallant have called on Benjamin Netanyahu to set out his plans for the future of the war-ravaged region.

Friday briefing: What’s behind the increase in violent attacks on Europe’s politicians?

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In today’s newsletter: The shooting of the Slovak prime minister, Robert Fico, was the first attempt on the life of a European head of state since 2003 – and reflects a growing polarisation across the continent• Sign up here for our daily newsletter, F…

EU urges Israel to end Rafah offensive ‘immediately’

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Brussels warns that failure to do so would undermine relations between Israel and the bloc.

US greenlights potential weapons sale to Israel

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The Biden administration has informally told top lawmakers it has greenlit the potential sale of more than $1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel.

Israel’s ‘total victory’ in Gaza is unlikely, top US official says

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It’s the bluntest articulation yet from a Biden administration official that Israel can’t succeed at its goal of wiping out Hamas.

The Week… Rishi Sunak questions if we’d be safe under Labour

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Two of Westminster’s best-connected journalists, Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics. As fierce fighting continues in the Kharkiv region in Ukraine with Russia claiming it has control of more villages and Israel saying it will proceed with an assault […]

Blinken reiterates human rights findings on Israel

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A report released Friday found that Israeli forces may have violated international humanitarian law, though it did not formally find that they had done so.

Cease-fire calls mount as Israel ramps up military operations in north and south of Gaza

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U.N. chief Guterres renews demands for an immediate cease-fire, unconditional release of all hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid.

Trump, escalating attacks at rally, says Biden is ‘surrounded by fascists’

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He’s still under threat of jailtime if he violates a gag order.

Israel orders further evacuations in Rafah and Jabalia

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The Israeli army plans to “work with great force” against Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Biden admin punts on declaring Israel violated international law

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A new State Department report, criticized as inconclusive, drew immediate fire from both progressive Democrats and Republicans.

As Rafah hangs in the balance, will Bibi defy Biden?

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The history of U.S.-Israeli relations suggests Washington’s leverage may not be as great as some progressive Democrats think.

Ukraine reicht geplantes Milliardenpaket nicht

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Das Briefing dazu, wie sich Entscheidungen in Brüssel auf Sie auswirken. Mit dem Wissen des größten Newsrooms der europäischen Hauptstadt. Im Browser anzeigen oder hier anhören von JÜRGEN KLÖCKNER Mit LAURA HÜLSEMANN und JULIUS BRINKMANN DIE TOP-THEMEN — Ukraine fordert mehr Hilfen: Justizminister Maljuska kritisiert im POLITICO-Interview die Entscheidung der EU, nur die Zinseinnahmen auf […]

‘We would need to make choices’: Why US President Joe Biden is threatening Israel now

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After watching Israel flatten much of Gaza, President Joe Biden decided to draw the line at the city of Rafah. Now, he has to decide what to do if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu crosses it. The president quietly directed his team last week to halt shipments of massive bombs to Israel to “deliver a message” to Netanyahu […]

Eurovision is a joyful, powerful event – but it can’t carry the weight of the war in Gaza | Gaby Hinsliff

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It’s one thing to call for a boycott because of Israel’s entry, another to pile responsibility on the shoulders of pop starsAre you watching Eurovision this weekend? It used to be an innocent enough question. But it’s fast becoming a loaded one, as the…

Israel strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks end with no deal

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Israeli forces bombarded areas of Rafah on Thursday (9 May), Palestinian residents said, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed US President Joe Biden’s threat to withhold weapons from Israel if it assaults the southern Gaza city.

Israel-Hamas hostage deal talks paused amid Rafah fighting

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Hamas has largely stepped back from the table because of Israel’s operation in the city.

David Cameron: UK not planning to cut arms to Israel if it invades Rafah

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Britain, unlike the US, is not a ‘massive state supplier for weapons to Israel,’ says UK’s top diplomat.

Biden says US will cut off offensive weapons to Israel ‘if they go into Rafah’

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Israel’s military plans have been the source of tension with the U.S.

Israel’s Rafah operation is fueling tensions with Washington. Here’s the reality on the ground.

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Aid groups say the situation in Rafah is unsustainable with fuel levels running dangerously low.

Israel privately conveys ‘deep frustration’ that US confirmed weapons holdup

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A senior Biden administration official called it ‘rich‘ that Israel bristled at the leak when Israeli officials first revealed the news.

Progressives cheer Biden’s Israel weapon pause while Republicans fume

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“We’re trying to turn the Titanic,” one Democratic lawmaker said.

Pentagon chief confirms US pausing bomb shipments to Israel, but commitment still ‘ironclad’

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The Pentagon chief stressed that no final decision has been made.

Why have student protests against Israel’s war in Gaza gone global?

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Ceasefire and divestment calls have spread beyond US campuses, with more expected as Rafah offensive beginsMiddle East crisis – live updatesSee all our Middle East coverageUniversity campuses around the world have been the stage of a growing number of …

US report on Israel’s wartime conduct in Gaza delayed, aides say

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The State Department was expected to issue a report on Wednesday.

EU’s top diplomat condemns assault on Rafah as Israel halts aid routes

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“The will to continue the war will produce another great humanitarian crisis, bigger than it is already.”

China joins France in urging Israel not to go ahead with Rafah offensive

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Intervention seen as latest Chinese effort to make diplomatic mark in region with economic interestsMiddle East crisis – live updatesXi Jinping, sensing a diplomatic opening, is stepping up China’s intervention in the Middle East crisis, issuing a join…

Police drag students from pro-Palestinian protest at Berlin university – video

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German police have broken up a pro-Palestinian protest at the Free University of Berlin. Students set up tents, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and chanting ‘All eyes on Rafah’ after Israeli forces launched their latest assault on Gaza’s border city wi…

Europe’s concerns grow over possible all-out Israeli attack on Rafah border crossing

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Europeans warned Israel on Tuesday (7 May) not to attempt a full take-over of the Rafah border crossing, the sole humanitarian gateway between Gaza and Egypt, with concerns growing over more casualties and less aid reaching the besieged exclave.

Israel approved Rafah military operation and started striking Hamas targets

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The decision by Israel’s War Cabinet came hours after Hamas agreed to a cease-fire that Israel hadn’t previously accepted.

US fears Israel speeding up Rafah invasion timeline after deadly Hamas attack

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A Hamas rocket attack on Sunday killed four Israeli soldiers.

Belgium calls for EU sanctions on imports from Israeli-occupied territories

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The call comes after EU countries imposed sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers for the first time last month.

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