War information
Israeli airstrikes hit Rafah. At least 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on three apartment buildings in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on the night of April 28. Many people are still trapped under the rubble and rescue teams are trying to find and rescue them.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior official of Hamas, said the group will not accept any agreement with Israel that does not include a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
According to Mr. Zuhri, Israel's proposal, through mediators, is being studied and it is too early to make a decision on this issue.
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| Israel approves plan to attack Rafah city. Photo: AP |
Israel approves Rafah attack plan . Israeli army chief of staff Herzi Halevi has approved a ground attack plan targeting the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
It is understood that the ground offensive plan in Rafah was approved during a meeting between Halevi and Southern Command Commander Yaron Finkelman and other Israeli division and brigade commanders.
The move comes as international mediators are trying to help Israel and Hamas reach a ceasefire agreement.
Previously, an Israeli government spokesman also confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had set a time to launch an attack on Rafah - the last stronghold of Hamas forces in Gaza.
Some related developments
Turkey calls for increased international pressure on Israel . Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a meeting of the Gaza Strip contact group in Riyadh that international pressure on Israel needs to be increased.
Mr. Fidan noted that the international community’s reaction to Israel’s actions is growing. This pressure needs to be increased at the contact group meeting. The decisions discussed will be taken at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit to be held on May 4 in Banjul, Gambia.
Israel agreed to “listen” to the US before attacking Rafah . White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Israel agreed to listen to the concerns and thoughts of the US before launching an attack on the border city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
Previously, the US announced that it would not support Israel's attack on Rafah without a suitable and reliable humanitarian plan.
“ Israel has assured us that it will not come to Rafah until we have had an opportunity to share our views and concerns ,” Mr. Kirby stressed.
The situation in the Gaza Strip has a huge impact on the global economy . According to Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister, Mohammed al-Jadaan, the war in the Gaza Strip, along with conflicts in many other parts of the world , is affecting economic activities around the world.
Mr al-Jadaan called for efforts to ensure stability in the Middle East, warning that the conflict in the Gaza Strip could have a huge impact on the global economy.
Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister said that all parties need to exercise restraint to avoid escalating tensions and ensure regional stability.
Israeli delegation receives invitation to talks in Cairo . An Israeli delegation has received an invitation to visit Cairo on April 29, where talks will continue on issues related to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages.
According to the plan, the invited Israeli delegation will be allowed to respond to Hamas' requests, but will not be allowed to make decisions or express official views in order to speed up the process of reaching an agreement between the parties.
Earlier, Egyptian television channel Al-Qahira al-Ikhbariya confirmed that a delegation from the Hamas movement would arrive in Egypt to participate in the negotiations. The delegation will be led by Khalil al-Hayya, deputy commander of the Hamas political branch.
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