The Latest Breaking News from Benjamin Netanyahu

Families of the hostages are leading calls for a ceasefire. Let us hope the roar of guns in Rafah isn’t used to drown them out, says Israeli journalist Meron Rapoport

Clashes also raged in northern and central areas of the besieged Gaza Strip, AFP correspondents and witnesses said, as Israel prepared to mark a somber Independence Day, beginning Monday night, more than seven months into the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack.

The exodus of Palestinians from Gaza’s last refuge accelerated Sunday as Israeli forces pushed deeper into the southern city of Rafah. Israel also pounded the territory’s devastated north, where some Hamas militants have regrouped in areas the military said it had cleared months ago.

Senator Coons raises concerns about Netanyahu's legacy amid potential conflict with Hamas in Rafah and its impact on US-Israel relationship.

Heavy bombardment and airstrikes reported in devastated north while clashes also seen in south as tens of thousands flee Rafah

As chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, McCaul voiced concern that Biden's warning sent a perilous message to both allies and adversaries.

Demonstrators call for deal to bring hostages home as well as elections and PM’s resignation as Israeli troops advance on Rafah

Antony Blinken highlighted the ‘horrible loss of life of innocent civilians’, in some of the strongest criticism of Israel from the US to date

Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the latest assault despite warnings of disaster. Many Israelis are asking what price is too high in pursuit of ‘total victory’

Secretary of state Antony Blinken defends decision to pause bomb delivery to Israel: ‘We have real concerns about the way they’re used’

US President Biden seeks ceasefire in Gaza conflict pending release of hostages, negotiations stall over fundamental differences.