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Israel seizes control of Gaza-Egypt border, intensifying raids on Rafah

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel seizes control of Gaza-Egypt border, intensifying raids on Rafah

CAIRO. Israeli forces have taken full control of the buffer zone along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday, granting Israel effective authority over Gaza’s entire land border.

Despite a directive from the International Court of Justice to cease its attacks, Israel has continued its deadly raids on Rafah in southern Gaza. Half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents had previously sought refuge in Rafah, only to face renewed violence.

In a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced that Israeli forces had gained “operational” control over the “Philadelphi Corridor,” a 14-kilometer-long (9-mile) stretch along Gaza’s sole border with Egypt. “The Philadelphi Corridor served as an oxygen line for Hamas, which it regularly used to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip,” Hagari explained. Hamas is the armed Palestinian group governing the blockaded territory.

While Hagari did not detail what “operational” control entailed, an Israeli military official mentioned earlier that there were Israeli “boots on the ground” along parts of the corridor. Previously, the southern border with Egypt was the only land boundary of Gaza not directly controlled by Israel.

On Wednesday, Israeli tanks conducted raids into Rafah, penetrating deep into the city for the first time on Tuesday despite the UN court’s order to halt the assault. The World Court criticized Israel for not explaining how it would ensure the safety and basic needs of Rafah evacuees. The court’s ruling also demanded that Hamas release hostages taken from Israel on October 7 unconditionally and immediately.

Residents of Rafah reported Israeli tanks pushing into Tel Al-Sultan in the west and Yibna and near Shaboura in the center before retreating to a buffer zone along the Egypt border. “We received distress calls from residents in Tel Al-Sultan where drones targeted displaced citizens as they moved toward safe areas,” said Haitham al Hams, deputy director of ambulance and emergency services in Rafah.

Palestinian health officials reported that 19 civilians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza. Israel accused Hamas militants of hiding among civilians, a claim denied by Gaza’s ruling Islamist group.

Health Minister Majed Abu Raman urged Washington to pressure Israel into opening the Rafah crossing to aid, noting that patients in besieged Gaza were dying for lack of treatment. “There was no indication that Israeli authorities would do so soon,” he said.

Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s National Security Adviser, indicated that fighting in Gaza would persist throughout 2024, signaling Israel’s refusal to end the conflict until its objectives were met. “The fighting in Rafah is not a pointless war,” Hanegbi asserted, emphasizing Israel’s goal to end Hamas rule in Gaza and stop its attacks on Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken advised Israel to develop a post-war plan for Gaza to prevent lawlessness and chaos. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, reiterated its opposition to a major ground offensive in Rafah while acknowledging that such an operation was not currently underway.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 36,000 Palestinian deaths in Israel’s ongoing offensive. Israel launched its war following Hamas-led militants’ October 7 attack on southern Israeli communities, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 250 hostages being taken.

Ceasefire Negotiations in Limbo

No updates were provided on Wednesday regarding ceasefire and hostage release talks. Hamas stated that negotiations were futile unless Israel ended its offensive on Rafah.

Hamas and allied Islamic Jihad claimed to have countered Israeli forces in Rafah with anti-tank rockets, mortar bombs, and explosive devices. The Israeli military reported three soldiers killed and three severely wounded, with public broadcaster Kan radio confirming an explosive device detonation in Rafah.

Palestinian health officials reported injuries from Israeli fire and aid stores set ablaze in eastern Rafah. Many homes were destroyed due to Israeli bombardment in areas ordered evacuated by Israel.

According to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA, around one million Palestinians who sought shelter in Rafah have now fled following Israeli evacuation orders.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) evacuated its medical teams from the Al-Mawasi area due to ongoing bombardments, with two staff members killed when an ambulance was hit during a rescue mission. Another airstrike in Gaza City killed five Palestinians, and an overnight strike in Khan Younis killed three, including a former senior Hamas police officer.

Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 counts in hush money trial

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 counts in hush money trial

NEW YORK. Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime when a New York jury found him guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment made before the 2016 election.

The verdict was delivered after two days of deliberations by the 12-member jury, who reached a unanimous decision. Trump remained impassive as the jurors were individually polled to confirm the verdict.

Justice Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump’s sentencing for July 11, mere days before the Republican National Convention where Trump is anticipated to secure the presidential nomination. “Nobody can make you do anything you don’t want to do. The choice is yours,” Merchan told the jurors, thanking them for their service.

The conviction throws the United States into uncharted territory just months ahead of the November 5 presidential election, with Trump, the Republican frontrunner, aiming to reclaim the White House from incumbent Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump, 77, maintains his innocence and is expected to appeal the verdict. “This was a disgrace. This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who is corrupt,” he told reporters. “The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people. I am a very innocent man.”

Facing a maximum sentence of four years in prison, Trump will not be jailed before sentencing. A conviction does not bar him from campaigning or taking office if elected. Opinion polls indicate a tight race between Trump and Biden, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests the guilty verdict could erode Trump’s support among independent and Republican voters.

A source within Trump’s campaign revealed that the verdict might accelerate discussions on selecting a female vice-presidential running mate. Meanwhile, Biden’s campaign responded, emphasizing that the ruling underscores that no one is above the law. “There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box,” the campaign stated.

The jury reached their decision at 4:20 p.m. (2020 GMT) and delivered the 34-count guilty verdict shortly after 5 p.m. Reactions were swift, with House Speaker Mike Johnson calling it “a shameful day in American history.”

The five-week trial featured explicit testimony from Stormy Daniels, who claimed a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006 while he was married to Melania. Trump denies the affair. His former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified that Trump authorized a $130,000 payment to Daniels during the 2016 election to silence her, with reimbursements disguised as legal fees. Trump’s defense questioned Cohen’s credibility, citing his criminal record and history of lying.

Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, requested the verdict be overturned, arguing it relied on Cohen’s unreliable testimony. Justice Merchan denied the request. Trump’s expected appeal will likely challenge Daniels’ testimony and the legal theory used by prosecutors, although legal experts believe his chances of success are slim.

Falsifying business records is typically a misdemeanor in New York, but prosecutors elevated the charges to felonies, arguing that Trump was hiding an illegal campaign contribution. Trump has consistently claimed he could not receive a fair trial in his heavily Democratic hometown.

This case, revived by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg after his predecessor declined to prosecute, was viewed as the least significant of the four criminal cases Trump faces. It featured long-publicized allegations of sex and deceit but was substantiated by financial records.

As the only case likely to go to trial before the election, its outcome could have significant political repercussions. If elected, Trump could potentially dismiss the two federal cases alleging his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents. However, he would be powerless to stop a separate election-subversion case in Georgia.

Trump, who has pleaded not guilty in all cases, portrays his legal battles as politically motivated attacks by Biden’s allies. The nation now watches closely as the implications of this historic verdict unfold.

What to expect from June’s planetary parade

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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What to expect from June’s planetary parade

Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat this June as a rare planetary parade graces the pre-dawn sky. However, the spectacle may not be as visually stunning as anticipated.

June 24, 2022 – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn created a dazzling display as they aligned in a rare planetary formation. This marked the first time in 18 years that the planets have lined up in their natural order from the Sun, a phenomenon last seen in December 2004 and not expected to recur until August 2040, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

“The last such event took place in 2004, and if you miss this one, you will have to wait until August 2040 for another planetary parade to take place,” Pagasa noted on their official Facebook account, sharing a photograph of the alignment.

What Is a Parade of Planets?

A planetary parade occurs when several planets in our solar system align on the same side of the Sun, making them visible across a narrow band of the Earth’s sky. The frequency of this phenomenon depends on the number of planets that align and their visibility without the aid of binoculars or telescopes.

What Will Be Visible During the Planetary Parade?

On June 3, six planets—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will line up before dawn. However, only two of these planets will be visible to the naked eye.

“The sun’s going to be photobombing the parade,” explained Ronald Gamble, a theoretical astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Mercury and Jupiter will be too close to the horizon, obscured by the rising sun. Uranus and Neptune will require a telescope for viewing, with Uranus potentially too near the sun to be seen.

Early risers can still look to the east to spot a waning crescent moon to the lower left, accompanied by the faint red hue of Mars and the pale yellow dot of Saturn. Both planets are currently visible in the early morning sky and will remain so for much of the summer.

What Else Can I See in the Sky This Summer?

Despite the limited visibility of the planetary parade, the night sky offers plenty of other celestial wonders. Michelle Nichols from Chicago’s Adler Planetarium recommends using a star or planet-viewing app to explore the summer sky.

Additionally, the annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak in mid-August, offering quick streaks of light for observers. Nichols advises finding a location away from city lights and allowing your eyes to adjust to the dark for the best viewing experience.

Simula ng tag-ulan pormal nang idineklara ng PAGASA

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Simula ng tag-ulan pormal nang idineklara ng PAGASA

MAYNILA. Nagpapakita ng pagsisimula ng rainy season ang sunud-sunod na pag-ulan, mga thunderstorms, at ang pagpasok ng bagyong Aghon pati na rin ng Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) sa nakaraang mga araw ang nagdulot ng mga pag-ulan sa mga western sections ng Luzon at Visayas, ayon sa pahayag ng weather bureau.

Binanggit din ng PAGASA ang mataas na posibilidad ng pagpasok ng La Niña sa Hulyo, Agosto, at Setyembre, na inaasahang magdudulot ng mas madalas na pag-ulan kumpara sa karaniwang tag-ulan hanggang sa katapusan ng 2024.

Sa kabila nito, inaasahan ding magkakaroon ng mga panandaliang pagtigil ng ulan sa panahong ito.

Bilang paalala, nanawagan ang PAGASA na laging maging handa at magtakda ng mga hakbang upang maibsan ang epekto ng tag-ulan, habagat, at ang posibleng pagpasok ng La Niña na maaaring magresulta sa pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa dulot ng malakas ulan.

Museum mishandling detaches 19th-century mummy’s arm, says Mexican government

Venus L Peñaflor
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Museum mishandling detaches 19th-century mummy’s arm, says Mexican government

MEXICO CITY. Mexico’s federal archaeology agency, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), has accused the city of Guanajuato of mishandling one of the country’s famous 19th-century mummies, resulting in the detachment of the mummy’s arm. This incident occurred during recent renovations at the museum where the mummified bodies are permanently displayed.

The mummies, exhumed from burial sites starting in the 1860s due to unpaid burial fees, have been a significant, albeit macabre, tourist attraction in Guanajuato. They have been displayed in glass cases in the local museum and have even been exhibited internationally, including in the United States in 2009.

At the heart of the latest controversy is a jurisdictional dispute between INAH, which claims the mummies as “national patrimony,” and the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato, which treats them as a key tourist attraction. The city and state of Guanajuato are governed by the National Action Party, while the federal government is controlled by the Morena party, leading to political friction.

INAH announced on Monday that it would investigate the museum’s renovation procedures and demanded accountability. “These events confirm that the way the museum’s collection was moved is not the correct one, and that far from applying proper corrective and conservation strategies, the actions carried out resulted in damages, not only to this body,” the institute stated.

The institute criticized the lack of proper protocols and training among the personnel responsible for the renovations, attributing the mishandling to a deficiency in knowledge. The Guanajuato city government has yet to respond to these allegations.

The mummies of Guanajuato were naturally preserved due to the dry, mineral-rich soil where they were buried. Some mummies still have hair, leathery skin, and their original clothing. In 2023, INAH experts warned that a traveling display of the mummies might pose health risks due to potential fungal growths on one of the bodies.

This is not the first time that a part of a long-dead figure has caused national controversy. In 1989, the Mexican government faced criticism after it removed and incinerated the arm of revolutionary General Álvaro Obregón, which had been displayed in formaldehyde for decades. Similarly, in 1838, an angry crowd destroyed the leg of President Antonio López de Santa Anna, accusing him of treason.

The mishandling of the Guanajuato mummy highlights the ongoing conflict over the preservation and control of Mexico’s historical artifacts. As INAH seeks to ensure proper conservation practices, the jurisdictional dispute over these mummies remains unresolved.

Israel claims control over key Gaza-Egypt border area, citing smuggling tunnels

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel claims control over key Gaza-Egypt border area, citing smuggling tunnels

JERUSALEM. Israel’s military announced Wednesday it has seized control of the strategic Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. This area, known for its smuggling tunnels, is a significant target in Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the militant Hamas group, now in its eighth month of conflict.

The capture of the Philadelphi Corridor aims to cut off the supply of weapons and goods to Hamas. This move could strain Israel’s relationship with Egypt, which has expressed concerns over Israel’s advance towards its border. Despite a longstanding blockade by both countries, the corridor has remained a critical smuggling route for Hamas.

As part of the operation, Israel has also intensified its incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This city, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge, has seen escalating violence, resulting in dozens of Palestinian deaths. The Israeli military reported that a fifth brigade has joined the troops operating in Rafah, further escalating the conflict.

Egypt has raised alarms about Israel’s increasing military presence near its border, arguing that it violates the 1979 peace accord between the two nations. This peace treaty limits the number of troops each side can deploy in the demilitarized zone along the border. Israel’s recent activities, including taking control of the Rafah border crossing, have exacerbated tensions.

“The Philadelphi Corridor served as the oxygen line of Hamas through which Hamas carried out weapons smuggling into Gaza on a regular basis,” stated Israel’s military chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

An Israeli military official confirmed that Israel had informed Egypt about the takeover. The official reported the discovery of 20 tunnels and 82 access points, some previously unknown to Israeli forces. However, it remains unclear if these tunnels are currently active.

Egyptian state-run media, Al-Qahera News TV, reported no communications with Israel regarding the tunnel allegations. Egypt remains concerned about a potential influx of Palestinians across its border, a scenario it deems unacceptable.

The Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip about 100 meters wide, runs the length of Gaza’s border with Egypt and includes the Rafah crossing. Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, the group has maintained free rein over the border area, using smuggling tunnels to bypass the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt.

Over the past decade, Egypt has intensified its crackdown on these tunnels due to its battle against Islamic militants in Sinai. The recent Israeli military actions aim to further disrupt these smuggling routes.

The White House has indicated that Israel’s seizure of the corridor aligns with its briefed strategy for Rafah, aimed at putting pressure on Hamas. However, the continued violence has raised international concerns.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported an apparent Israeli strike that killed two ambulance crew members in Tel al-Sultan. Earlier on Wednesday, Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, predicted that the war would continue through the end of the year, emphasizing Israel’s intent to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities.

The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displaced much of its population, and triggered a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that the fighting in Rafah has displaced 1 million people, most already displaced from other parts of Gaza.

Despite international pressure, including an order from the International Court of Justice to halt its Rafah offensive, Israel continues its operations, citing the need to eliminate Hamas as a threat. The war, initiated by a militant attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and escalated regional tensions.

As the conflict persists, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, with Israel asserting the need for indefinite security control over the territory post-war. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging restraint and humanitarian considerations amidst the ongoing hostilities.

NDRRMC: 51,700 katao nasalanta ng bagyong Aghon

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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NDRRMC: 51,700 katao nasalanta ng bagyong Aghon

MAYNILA. Libu-libong pamilya ang apektado ng bagyong “Aghon,” na nagdulot ng isang pagkamatay at walong sugatan sa Northern Mindanao.

Batay sa ulat ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) ngayong Martes, umabot na sa 51,659 katao ang naapektuhan ng bagyo, kabilang ang sumusunod:

  • Patay: 1
  • Sugatan: 8
  • Lumikas: 21,225
  • Nasa loob ng evacuation centers: 14,816
  • Nasa labas ng evacuation centers: 6,409

Sa Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, isang tao ang namatay at isa ang sugatan. Dalawang estudyante ang nadisgrasya nang mabagsakan ng puno ng balete sa kanilang tricycle sa Barangay Baliwagan. Ang isa sa mga biktima, isang 15-anyos na babae, ay kasalukuyang nagpapagaling sa ospital.

“Noong ika-24 ng Mayo 2024, mga bandang 8:35 ng umaga, dahil sa malakas na hangin, isang puno ng balete ang bumagsak sa isang tricycle na nakaparada sa tabi ng kalsada na may dalawang estudyanteng sakay,” pahayag ng NDRRMC.

May naitalang pag-aapaw ng ilog, pagbaha, buhawi, pagtumba ng puno, at pagguho ng lupa sa mga lugar tulad ng Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, at Eastern Visayas. Kasama rin sa naapektuhan ang Central Visayas at National Capital Region.

Bagaman wala pang opisyal na datos hinggil sa pinsala sa agrikultura at imprastruktura, nasa 22 na bahay ang nasira sa Region 8. Sa mga ito, 18 ay bahagyang nasira habang apat naman ay lubos na nawasak.

Kahit na lumabas na sa Philippine area of responsibility ang bagyo kahapon ng tanghali, patuloy pa rin itong magdudulot ng katamtaman hanggang malalakas na pag-ulan sa kanlurang bahagi ng Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, at MIMAROPA hanggang sa Biyernes.

Trump hush money trial: Jurors conclude first day of deliberations without reaching verdict

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump hush money trial: Jurors conclude first day of deliberations without reaching verdict

NEW YORK. Jurors in the high-profile trial of former President Donald Trump concluded their first day of deliberations on Wednesday without arriving at a verdict. This trial marks the first time a U.S. president has faced criminal charges.

The jury, consisting of 12 primary members and six alternates, will reconvene at the New York courthouse on Thursday at 9:30 AM ET (1330 GMT) to continue evaluating the evidence and testimonies presented over the five-week trial.

Trump, 77, faces charges of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. The payment was allegedly made to prevent Daniels from disclosing an affair she claims to have had with Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies any involvement with Daniels. Leaving the courtroom, Trump ignored reporters’ questions and displayed a defiant gesture by pumping his fist in the air.

Later in the day, the jurors requested transcripts of testimonies from two key witnesses: Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, and David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer. Cohen testified that Trump was aware of and involved in the payment to Daniels, while Pecker detailed efforts to suppress stories that could harm Trump’s presidential campaign. Additionally, jurors asked Justice Juan Merchan to repeat the detailed instructions he had given them earlier to guide their deliberations.

The jury must reach a unanimous decision for a verdict. If they fail to do so, a mistrial will be declared. Trump has portrayed the trial as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his 2024 presidential bid against incumbent President Joe Biden.

“Mother Teresa could not beat these charges,” Trump remarked to reporters outside the courtroom, calling the proceedings “rigged.”

Judge Merchan advised jurors to scrutinize Cohen’s testimony carefully, given his role in the payments at the center of the case. Cohen admitted to paying Daniels out of his own funds to prevent her story from affecting the election, claiming Trump approved the payment and later reimbursed him through monthly installments disguised as legal fees.

Trump’s defense team has cast doubt on Cohen’s credibility, labeling him “the greatest liar of all time.” Todd Blanche, Trump’s lawyer, emphasized Cohen’s history of dishonesty to the jury. However, prosecutors argue that voice messages, emails, and other evidence corroborate Cohen’s testimony.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office must prove Trump’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” They contend that the payment to Daniels may have contributed to Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton by keeping damaging information out of the public eye.

A conviction would not bar Trump from seeking or assuming office if he wins the 2024 election. Polls show a tight race between Trump and Biden, though a guilty verdict could affect Trump’s support among independent and some Republican voters. If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison but might instead receive a fine or probation.

If acquitted, Trump would be relieved of a significant legal hurdle, allowing him to focus on his campaign without the burden of court appearances. Regardless of the verdict, Trump is likely to appeal any conviction. He also faces three other criminal prosecutions, none of which are expected to reach trial before the November election.

Biden campaign officials believe the trial’s outcome will not significantly alter the election’s dynamics.

Hinihinalang tulak patay sa engkwentro sa Batangas buy-bust

Arman B. Cambe
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Hinihinalang tulak patay sa engkwentro sa Batangas buy-bust

SAN JUAN, Batangas. Patay ang isang hinihinalang tulak ng ilegal na droga matapos ang engkwentro sa pulisya sa bayang ito nitong Martes, Mayo 28.

Ayon sa ulat ng Police Regional Office 4A noong Miyerkules, ang suspek na kilalang si “Balot” ay napatay sa isang buy-bust operation sa Barangay Lipahan, bandang 7:00 ng gabi. Nasabat umano ng mga pulis ang transaksyon ng suspek.

Sa pahayag ng mga awtoridad, agad na bumunot ng caliber .38 revolver si Balot at pinaputukan ang mga anti-illegal drug operatives. Subalit hindi tinamaan ang mga pulis, kaya’t sila ay nakapagpaputok din at nasugatan ang suspek, na nauwi sa kanyang pagkamatay.

Natagpuan din ng mga pulis sa suspek ang baril na may dalawang empty shells at apat na bala. Bukod dito, nakuha rin mula kay Balot ang dalawang plastik ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P34,000.

Sa ibang operasyon naman sa Bacoor City, Cavite, naaresto ang tatlong indibidwal na kinilalang sina “Boss,” “Joel,” at “Ritchie.” Itinuturing na mga “high value” targets, nasamsam mula sa kanila ang limang sachet ng shabu na may bigat na 39 gramo at nagkakahalaga ng P275,000.

Dagdag pa rito, nasamsam mula kay Joel ang isang kalibre .38 revolver na may tatlong bala.

Nakakulong na sa kustodiya ng pulisya ang mga suspek at nahaharap sa mga kasong paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Israel predicts Gaza conflict to extend another seven months as tanks enter Rafah

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel predicts Gaza conflict to extend another seven months as tanks enter Rafah

CAIRO. Israel intensified its operations in Gaza by sending tanks into Rafah and predicted that the ongoing conflict with Hamas would persist throughout the year. This development comes after the United States indicated that the Rafah incursion did not constitute a major ground offensive, which would have altered U.S. policy.

Israeli tanks penetrated central Rafah on Tuesday for the first time, despite an International Court of Justice order demanding an end to attacks on the city. The World Court highlighted Israel’s failure to ensure the safety and provision of essential supplies to the evacuees from Rafah, while also calling on Hamas to release hostages taken during the October 7 assault immediately and unconditionally.

Local residents reported that Israeli tanks advanced into areas including Tel Al-Sultan in the west and Yibna and Shaboura in the center, before retreating to a buffer zone along the Egyptian border. Haitham al Hams, the deputy director of ambulance and emergency services in Rafah, noted distress calls from residents targeted by drones while moving towards designated safe areas.

In the midst of the conflict, Palestinian health officials reported 19 civilian deaths from Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza. Israel maintains that Hamas militants are using civilians as shields, a claim that Hamas denies.

Majed Abu Raman, Gaza’s Health Minister, urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to open the Rafah crossing for aid, citing an urgent need for medical supplies as patients face life-threatening conditions due to lack of treatment.

An Israeli military official confirmed on Wednesday that forces had secured tactical control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a critical buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi emphasized that this control would prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza and suggested that the conflict would continue into 2024. “The fighting in Rafah is not a pointless war,” Hanegbi stated, underscoring the objective to end Hamas rule in Gaza.

Despite these assertions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the necessity for Israel to develop a post-war plan for Gaza to prevent future chaos and the resurgence of Hamas. The U.S., while opposing a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah, acknowledged that such an operation was not currently in progress.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the Israeli offensive. The conflict began after a deadly attack by Hamas-led militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 hostages.

Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled

Efforts for a ceasefire continue to face challenges. Qatar, acting as a mediator, was expected to present Israel’s latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal to Hamas on Tuesday. However, Hamas has maintained that negotiations are futile unless Israel ceases its offensive on Rafah.

In Rafah, the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad reported engaging Israeli forces with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, causing significant damage. The Israeli military confirmed the death of three soldiers and injuries to three others due to an explosive device in Rafah.

Palestinian health officials also reported several injuries from Israeli fire, and the destruction of aid supplies in eastern Rafah due to ongoing bombardments. Ashraf Al-Qidra, a spokesperson for Gaza’s health ministry, called for the immediate establishment of safe corridors for fuel, medical aid, and medical teams in both Rafah and northern Gaza.

Approximately one million Palestinians have fled Rafah following Israeli evacuation orders, according to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The Palestine Red Crescent Society also reported evacuating its medical teams from a designated civilian evacuation zone in Al-Mawasi due to continued bombardments.

In nearby Khan Younis, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Salama Baraka, a former senior Hamas police officer. Another strike killed four people, including two children. Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, Israeli forces continued shelling Gaza City neighborhoods and moved deeper into Jabalia, causing extensive destruction in residential areas.

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