Bharat Express

Israel

Approximately 130 of the original 250 hostages taken by Hamas more than four months ago are still thought to be held in Gaza, however, Israel believes 29 of them have died

The visit comes after weeks of talks between the US and regional powers failed to reach a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas

After rejecting Hamas's request for a truce last week, Israel launched a predawn raid in Rafah on Monday, freeing two hostages and killing about 100 Palestinians

The Al Qassam Brigades will postpone the announcement of the names and pictures of the dead until the fate of the remaining wounded becomes clear

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed it has ordered the military to devise a plan to evacuate Rafah and destroy four Hamas battalions

The Israeli Prime Minister, who believes that victory over Hamas cannot be achieved without clearing battalions from Rafah, directed his forces to prepare for the operation on Friday

Gaza's Hamas authorities warned Saturday that Israeli operations in Rafah might result in tens of thousands of casualties

The potential assault could also jeopardize the already fragile humanitarian aid system struggling to sustain Gaza's population.

The State Department has ruled out a ground offensive in Rafah, warning that if not planned properly, it could lead to disaster for over one million displaced Palestinians

The US top diplomat emphasized that any military operation that Israel undertakes must prioritize civilians