Gaza: Israeli airstrikes kill 13 in Rafah
What's the story
Israeli airstrikes on three houses in the southern Gaza city of Rafah killed at least 13 people, medical personnel said on Monday. However, Hamas-affiliated media outlets report a higher death toll of 15. This incident occurred just hours before Egypt was set to host Hamas leaders for ceasefire discussions with Israel. Notably, over 1 million people are squeezed into Rafah—once a city of 300,000 people—as it has become the main refuge for Palestinians amid the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
Northern Strikes
Israeli aircraft target two residences in Gaza City
In a separate incident, Israeli aircraft targeted two residences in Gaza City, located in the northern part of the strip. Health officials confirmed that these attacks also resulted in multiple casualties. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 34,000 Palestinian fatalities, with women and children constituting at least two-thirds of this number.
Peace talks
Hamas officials to discuss ceasefire proposal with mediators
As the conflict escalates, Hamas officials announced on Sunday that a delegation led by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, would discuss a ceasefire proposal. This proposal was presented by Hamas to mediators from Qatar and Egypt and includes Israel's response. The United States-backed mediators have intensified their efforts to secure a deal as Israel threatens to invade Rafah. However, details of the latest proposals remain undisclosed.
Statement
Israel to continue military operation in Gaza
Despite international concerns, Israel on Friday said that it will continue its military operation in Rafah. "Israel is moving ahead with our operation to target Hamas in Rafah," government spokesman David Mencer told a press briefing. He added, that the remaining four Hamas battalions in Rafah "cannot be shielded from Israel."
Information
Israel-Hamas conflict
The Israel-Hamas conflict started last year after the Palestinian terrorist group killed around 1,200 Israelis and took some 240 hostages during its October 7 cross-border attacks on Israel. In response, the Jewish nation launched a multi-pronged military operation in the strip, leading to civilian casualties running in thousands.