The Latest Breaking News from Rafah

The United States has taken a public distance from Israel as never before over the Gaza war but the decisive test will be Rafah and whether Israel heeds US warnings against an offensive in the packed city.

Israeli PM Netanyahu's office agrees to reschedule meeting with US officials to discuss Rafah operation after initial cancellation due to UN vote objections.

On Monday, Netanyahu cancelled the same trip by the same people in protest over the U.S. not vetoing a UN Security Council resolution.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have broken down after a UN resolution demanded a ceasefire, and Israel continues bombing in southern parts of the Gaza strip. Meanwhile, a French investigative group says it found that French weapons companies supply Israel with weapons that are being used in the conflict.

Recent Israeli strikes on Rafah heighten tensions in Israeli-Palestinian conflict, prompting international calls for de-escalation and peaceful resolution.

Israeli forces pounded besieged Gaza on Wednesday in the war sparked by the October 7 attack and fought Hamas around several hospitals despite a UN Security Council demand for a ceasefire.

Attacks around Rafah come despite growing pressure for ceasefire

The southern Gaza Strip came under intense Israeli bombardment overnight, despite international pressure for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory where famine is looming.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant Tuesday that civilian casualties in Gaza are "too high" and suggested alternatives to a major Israeli operation in the territory's south.

Tragic overnight attack in Rafah claims 18 lives, including 9 children. Gaza death toll rises.

Area offers desperate families in Gaza relative safety but conditions are dire and threat of Israeli attacks remain