Rafah has been in the news recently due to escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the city serving as a focal point for military operations and negotiations. The Rafah crossing has been a crucial lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza, facilitating aid delivery and patient evacuations amidst a collapsed healthcare system. Israel's military ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands in Rafah, signaling a potential ground invasion amid international outrage over civilian casualties.
Located in North Sinai on Egypt's eastern border with the Gaza Strip, Rafah is a significant city in the region. It serves as the capital of Rafah center in the North Sinai Governorate and is situated on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The city's strategic location has made it a key point of contention in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with recent military operations and negotiations centered around Rafah.
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Hamas says it has approved an Egyptian-Qatari truce proposal to halt its war with Israel. Here's what we know.
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The United States paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over fears it would invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, marking the first time in the conflict President Joe Biden has squeezed military aid to the key US ally.
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Israel refuses Hamas demand for complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as negotiations disintegrate
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Israel’s military has ordered tens of thousands of people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to begin evacuating, signaling that a long-promised ground invasion could be imminent
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Haaretz reports operation to unseat Hamas control of Rafah crossing is purpose of ‘limited’ military strike
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After months of stop-and-start negotiations, the ceasefire efforts appear to have reached a critical stage, with Egyptian and American mediators reporting signs of compromise in recent days.
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Official says army launched 'limited operation' aimed at pressuring Hamas to accept a deal; army says 20 gunmen killed, 3 tunnels found, explosive-laden car hit as it drove at tank
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A Hamas delegation is in Cairo with pressure mounting to reach a deal to end the nearly seven-month conflict.
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Also, Biden and Harris hit the campaign trail. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday.
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Washington felt its concerns over major offensive weren't getting through to Israel and took unprecedented step to ensure its heavy explosives weren't used in southern Gaza city
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Gazans celebrate in the streets; families of hostages plead for deal; US studying response; war cabinet says negotiators will meet mediators, orders IDF to push ahead with Rafah op
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‘It could be a slaughter of civilians and an incredible blow to the humanitarian operation in the entire strip because it is run primarily out of Rafah’
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The Rafah crossing has been a lifeline to the outside world for Palestinians in Gaza, allowing the delivery of aid and the evacuation of patients from a collapsed healthcare system.
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Move would mark significant pivot in relations as pressure builds on Israel to pull back from attack in Gaza
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Despite mediators' optimism a hostages-for-truce agreement can be reached, official tells ToI that Israel yet to hear terror group willing to retreat from maximalist demands
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The decision comes amid international outrage over civilian deaths.
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Israel’s incursion into Rafah.
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It’s the first time Israel’s army has moved into the area since the war with Hamas began on October 7.
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Also, the U.S. accused Russia of using chemical weapons.
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IDF renovates destroyed pedestrian terminal into northern Gaza to allow in trucks; US secretary of state says relief effort still falling short during visit to Kerem Shalom, Nir Oz