Israel’s military announced on Wednesday that it has taken control of the entire length of Gaza's border with Egypt, specifically the strategic Philadelphi Corridor. This indicates an escalation of Israel’s offensive in southern Gaza.
Residents of Rafah, a city on the Gaza-Egypt border, reported intense combat on Wednesday. Israel had previously stated it was conducting limited operations in the area. The United States and other allies have cautioned against a full-scale assault on Rafah, warning it could lead to a humanitarian disaster.
The conflict in Rafah has already caused over a million Palestinians to flee, many of whom had already been displaced by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. These individuals are now seeking refuge in makeshift camps and other damaged areas, facing shortages of shelter, food, water, and other essential supplies, according to the U.N.
Earlier on Wednesday, a senior Israeli official predicted that the conflict with Hamas might extend until the end of the year. Israel has committed to eliminating Hamas from Gaza, employing a strategy of widespread destruction, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
Israel commenced its military campaign in Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, where militants invaded southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting around 250. Israel reports that about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more.
Currently:
- Israeli strikes have killed at least 37 Palestinians, mostly in tents near Rafah.
- Missile attacks have damaged a ship in the Red Sea off Yemen’s coast.
- A U.S.-built pier will be removed and repaired after storm damage.
- Algeria has proposed a Security Council resolution demanding Israel stop its offensive in Rafah.
- The Palestinian prime minister visited Madrid following the recognition of the Palestinian state by Spain, Norway, and Ireland.
For more updates, follow AP's coverage of the war in Gaza at [AP News](https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war).
In the latest developments:
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported a two-thirds drop in aid to Gaza since Israel began its ground offensive in Rafah three weeks ago. This decrease is attributed to the closure of the Egypt-Rafah border crossing, safety issues at the Kerem Shalom crossing, and limited deliveries through other points. Health and humanitarian services in Rafah are shutting down due to the intensified fighting and insecurity.
WASHINGTON — White House national security spokesman John Kirby refrained from confirming Israel’s control of the Philadelphi Corridor but noted it aligns with the limited ground operations Israel briefed President Biden’s team on. The U.S. has advised against a full-scale offensive in Rafah, citing humanitarian concerns.
Israel claims the capture of the Philadelphi Corridor aims to cut off smuggling tunnels. Additional brigades have joined the operations in Rafah, with Israeli leaders determined to defeat Hamas in the city.
UNITED NATIONS — The U.S. has stated that a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza would not be helpful. Instead, the U.S. focuses on achieving a temporary pause in fighting and releasing hostages. Meanwhile, the U.N. Mideast envoy has warned of escalating regional conflicts due to the ongoing war.
BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes in Syria have killed a child and wounded several civilians, targeting Hezbollah positions in Homs and Baniyas.
JERUSALEM — Israel confirmed it has seized the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt, an area known for smuggling tunnels.
RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil’s President Lula has recalled the country’s ambassador to Israel following tensions over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
JERUSALEM — A senior Israeli official has criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the war, calling for early elections to restore public trust.
UNITED NATIONS — The U.S. has criticized Israel for not adequately protecting Palestinian civilians and for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.
GENEVA — The Palestinian health minister condemned Israeli airstrikes that caused a deadly fire in a displaced persons camp, urging the U.S. to press Israel to reopen the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian aid.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham criticized the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court for their rulings against Israel, vowing to hold them accountable.
TEL AVIV — Israel’s national security adviser expects the war with Hamas to last through the end of the year, defending the ongoing operations in Rafah.
ANKARA — Turkish President Erdogan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu following deadly airstrikes in Rafah.
TEL AVIV — Three Israeli soldiers were killed in Rafah amid ongoing fighting.
MANILA — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies called for a ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza.
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