The Latest Breaking News from Rafah

Israel has been bombing Rafah and scaling up its operations

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.

Israeli attacks intensify in Gaza, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Urgent need for ceasefire.

Gaza health ministry raises alarm over lack of fuel for generators and ambulances; bodies recovered after overnight Israeli airstrikes on refugee camp

A UN security services member was killed in an attack on a vehicle in Gaza on Monday, a spokesperson said, adding the death was the first international UN employee killed in the Palestinian territory since the war began. Read our liveblog for all the latest developments.

Separately, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized Washington's concerns about an offensive in a call with his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi.

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.

US and Israeli national security advisers discuss concerns about potential military operation in Rafah, exploring alternatives to city invasion.