Published: 2024-05-10 10:09
Last Updated: 2024-11-01 03:35
The “Israeli” war machine continues its onslaught on Gaza, with intensified attacks recently in Rafah, in the Zaytoun and Sabra neighborhoods southeast of the city, including the demolition of entire residential buildings.
The death toll has risen to 34,904 martyrs, with 78,514 people injured since Oct. 7, 2023 – according to the latest numbers of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
Gaza's health authorities said that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are closing crossings and preventing entry and exit, especially for the evacuation of the wounded and sick, and the entry of medical supplies, food trucks, and the necessary fuel to operate hospitals.
Regarding the prospects of reaching a ceasefire agreement, Hamas announced early Friday, after its delegation left Egypt where talks are ongoing, that the “ball is in the court” of the Israeli Occupation regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire proposal presented by the mediators which was accepted earlier by the group on Monday – Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamas’ Political Bureau has said.
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Al-Risheq declared that the recent “Israeli” invasion of the Palestinian side of the Rafah Border Crossing “aims to obstruct the efforts of the mediators and escalate the aggression and the war of exterminations” waged against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip – according to his statements.
A senior “Israeli” official cited by Axios said that the delegation’s members have submitted the Israeli Occupation’s reservations regarding the ceasefire proposal presented by Qatari and Egyptian mediators which was accepted by Hamas last Monday.
“Israel will continue its military operations in Rafah and Gaza as planned," added the official.
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Over 80,000 thousands people were forced out of Rafah in the last three days since the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) began what appears to be a prelude to a larger wide-scale invasion of the city of Rafah that houses around 1.5 million displaced Gazans.
"Since the Israeli forces' military operation intensified on 6 May, around 80,000 people have fled Rafah, seeking refuge elsewhere," said today the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on its “X” account; further warning that "the toll on these families is unbearable. Nowhere is safe".