Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Strip Kill at Least Five, as Israel Prepares for Offensive in Rafah

Palestinian hospital officials say Israeli airstrikes kill at least five people in Rafah, Gaza

According to Palestinian hospital officials, a series of Israeli airstrikes in the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least five people. The strikes have intensified in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population, approximately 2.3 million people, have sought refuge. As Israeli forces gather tanks and armored vehicles in the vicinity, speculations arise about the possibility of a full-scale invasion of Rafah. The international community, including the United States, voices concerns about the potential risks to civilian lives that such an offensive could pose.

Israeli tank shelling claims four lives in central Gaza

In central Gaza, four people have been killed as a result of Israeli tank shelling. The victims were attempting to migrate to northern Gaza. However, Israeli forces are currently preventing people from returning to their homes in that area.

Ship attacks in the Gulf of Aden likely carried out by Houthi rebels

Officials have reported an attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden, which is suspected to be the work of Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased attacks near Yemen’s Houthi-controlled areas.

Hamas willing to agree to a multi-year truce, according to top Hamas political official

The Islamic militant group Hamas has expressed its willingness to accept a peace agreement with Israel that would include a ceasefire lasting five years or more. This statement comes from a top Hamas political official in an interview with The Associated Press.

UK imposes new sanctions on Iran in response to attacks on Israel

On the heels of Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel on April 13, the United Kingdom has enforced a new round of sanctions against the country. Aimed at holding Iran responsible for the attack and deterring further hostile activity, these sanctions specifically target Iran’s drone and missile industries. The UK is seeking to cooperate closely with the United States and Canada on these measures.

Gaza faces imminent famine, says the United Nations World Food Program

Reports from the United Nations reveal that the lack of daily deliveries of food and critical supplies into Northern Gaza is pushing the region closer to famine. Despite Israel’s assurances to expedite aid deliveries, progress has been limited. The current rate of aid shipments—an average of 7 to 12 trucks every few days—is inadequate. At least 30 trucks are needed daily to meet the pressing needs of the population. The dire situation calls for significant action to avert a humanitarian disaster.

Israel amasses military vehicles along the Gaza border in preparation for possible invasion

A buildup of dozens of tanks and armored vehicles along the border between Israel and the southern Gaza Strip suggests preparations for a potential invasion of Rafah. Israeli military leaders consider Rafah to be Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza and have promised to destroy the militant group. Since a deadly raid into southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, the Israel-Hamas war has escalated, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive damage within Gaza. The possibility of an Israeli operation in Rafah raises concerns about the safety of civilians in the area.

U.S. and other world leaders urge Hamas to release hostages and seek peace

U.S. President Joe Biden and leaders from 17 other countries have issued a joint statement calling on Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza. These nations have citizens who have gone missing or were taken hostage during Hamas’ attack on Israel in October. The release of hostages is considered crucial to advance negotiations and work toward a long-lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The statement emphasizes the importance of ending the crisis and focusing efforts on achieving peace and stability in the region.

4-year-old orphaned in Hamas attack plays in the Oval Office

Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old girl who was orphaned and kidnapped by Hamas during the October attack on Israel, had the opportunity to play in the Oval Office during a meeting with President Biden. The young girl, with American and Israeli citizenship, was held captive by Hamas for nearly seven weeks before being freed. Her visit to the White House serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages and to establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

Under-construction pier for U.S.-led aid project in Gaza comes under attack

Violence erupted on Wednesday as an under-construction pier, part of a U.S.-led project to bring aid to the Gaza Strip, was targeted in an attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility, but Israeli officials described it as a mortar shell assault. The pier’s construction already faced challenges since Hamas declared resistance to any foreign military presence connected to the project. The incident has disrupted the growth of the much-needed aid project, as efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persist.

EU frigate destroys drone launched from Houthi-held areas of Yemen

A frigate from an EU military mission in the Red Sea destroyed a drone that originated from Yemen’s Houthi-held areas, according to a high-ranking EU military officer. The drone had potentially threatening connections to Houthi attacks, which have continued due to their links to the Israel-Hamas war. The EU military mission aims to protect merchant shipping and maintain freedom of movement. It calls for resource assistance from EU members to sustain the operations and ensure uninterrupted navigation at sea.

U.S. colleges resort to police intervention to quell pro-Palestinian protests on campuses

Recent protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas war on campuses across the United States have prompted universities, including those in California and Texas, to enlist police assistance in order to disperse and arrest demonstrators. The timing of these protests, aligning with imminent graduation ceremonies, adds complexity for the universities. Columbia University faces graduate protests at an on-campus encampment, while other institutions, such as the University of Southern California and the University of Texas at Austin, have witnessed clashes between law enforcement and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

Another ship attacked in the Gulf of Aden as the Israel-Hamas war continues

Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a ship traveling in the Gulf of Aden has been attacked. Yemen’s Houthi rebels are suspected to be behind the assault. The attack follows a recent incident in which an allied warship successfully intercepted a Houthi missile in the same region. With these attacks, the safety of maritime activities in the area remains a constant concern.

Gaza Health Ministry reports a total of 43 deaths in the last 24 hours

The Gaza Health Ministry has confirmed the death of 43 individuals in the past 24 hours due to Israeli strikes. Local hospitals have received an additional 64 individuals who were wounded in the attacks. These casualties contribute to the overall toll of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with at least 34,305 Palestinians having lost their lives, and an estimated 77,293 individuals sustaining injuries. The high number of civilian casualties, including a significant proportion of women and children, continues to be a grave concern.

Israeli airstrikes claim lives in Rafah, Gaza

Overnight airstrikes in the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including two children. The airstrikes specifically targeted Rafah, which has become a focal point of Israeli raids. More than half of Gaza’s population, approximately 2.3 million people, have sought refuge in Rafah. Israel’s intent to expand the military offensive to Rafah despite calls for restraint has unsettled the international community.

Updates on Other News:

— The United Kingdom has imposed additional sanctions on Iran to hold the country accountable for their attack on Israel.

— Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, with the United Nations World Food Program expressing concerns of an upcoming famine.

— Various U.S. campuses resort to involving the police in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

— Chef José Andrés mourns the loss of aid workers and highlights the need for collective effort in the face of Israel’s airstrikes.

— The United Nations warns about acute hunger, stating that 282 million people suffered from hunger in 2023, including the famine crisis in Gaza.

— A European Union frigate successfully destroys a drone launched from Yemen’s Houthi-controlled areas in the Red Sea.

— A Hamas official claims that the group would lay down its weapons if a two-state solution were implemented.