EVACUATE CIVILIANS
Israel orders Palestinians to flee Khan Younis, signaling likely new assault on southern Gaza city
The Israeli army instructed a large-scale evacuation of Palestinians from much of Khan Younis on Monday. This order indicates that Israeli troops are likely preparing to launch a new ground assault into Gaza's second-largest city. The directive suggests Khan Younis will be the next target of Israel's raids into areas of Gaza previously invaded during the ongoing conflict, as they continue to pursue regrouping Hamas militants.
Gazans living in 'unbearable' conditions: UNRWA
The United Nations has condemned the "unbearable" living conditions in the Gaza Strip, where Palestinian refugees are forced to live in bombed-out buildings or camp next to piles of trash. UNRWA, the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, described the conditions as "extremely dire" and said that the situation had "significantly deteriorated" even in the time since returning from four weeks outside the territory.
Ukraine orders evacuations from parts of Donetsk
Ukraine has ordered the evacuation of children and their guardians from several towns and villages in the eastern Donetsk region, where fighting with Russia is escalating. The move comes as President Zelensky stated that Russian firepower is concentrated in Donetsk, which Russia claimed to have annexed in 2022 despite not having full control. The Donetsk governor cited the deteriorating security situation and increasing shelling intensity as reasons for the evacuation. Several areas near the front line, including the town of Lyman and the hamlet of Progres, are affected.
Tank raid on evacuation zone off Rafah kills 21; Israel denies role
Two days after an Israeli airstrike on another camp stirred global condemnation, Gaza emergency services said that four tank shells hit a cluster of tents in Al-Mawasi, a coastal area that Israel had advised civilians in Rafah to move to for safety. At least 12 of the dead were women, as per medical officials in the Hamas militant-run Palestinian enclave.
Russian President Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as secretary of Russia's national security council
The appointment comes after Putin proposed appointing Andrei Belousov as the country's defense minister in place of Shoigu, who has served in the post for years. The reshuffle comes as Putin starts his fifth presidential term and as the war in Ukraine drags on for the third year. In line with Russian law, the entire Russian Cabinet resigned on Tuesday following Putin's glittering inauguration in the Kremlin.
Full-scale Rafah offensive 'cannot take place': UN rights chief
UN human rights chief criticizes a potential Israeli assault on Rafah, highlighting violations of international law and the impact on civilians. The situation in Gaza remains dire with concerns over displacement, atrocity crimes, and the need for a ceasefire.
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'There would be ceasefire tomorrow if...': Joe Biden's stern message to Hamas
US President Joe Biden said a ceasefire in Gaza could happen as soon as amas releases hostages. Talks between Israel and Hamas have been stalled as Israel wants to defeat Hamas before a permanent ceasefire. Meanwhile, the US has paused weapon delivery and warned against a major Israeli operation. Israeli forces intensified operations in Rafah, ordering evacuations, drawing criticism from EU.
Israel strikes Gaza as more Rafah evacuations ordered
Israeli strikes in Gaza escalate, risking disaster. UN warns of humanitarian crisis. Netanyahu vows action in Rafah. Army active at crossing. Residents flee Rafah. Guterres calls for ceasefire and aid access.
Maldives says 76 Indian military personnel replaced by civilians to operate 3 aviation platforms gifted by India
Minister Zameer stated Indian military personnel in Maldives were replaced by HAL civilian workers. This followed a New Delhi agreement meeting President Muizzu's pro-China demand. The shift of command to Maldivian authorities was confirmed.
MEA confirms withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives, deputation of competent persons to nation
"So, both Maldives and India have engaged quite some time to see how best they can continue the operation of aviation platforms. And in that regard, you have seen developments in first and second batches of people who were providing their support there, they had come back," MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing.
Heavy fighting in Gaza's Rafah keeps aid crossings closed and sends 110,000 civilians fleeing
The World Food Program will run out of food for distribution in southern Gaza by Saturday, said Georgios Petropoulos, an official with the U.N. Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Rafah. Aid groups have said fuel will also be depleted soon, forcing hospitals to shut down critical operations and bringing to a halt trucks delivering aid across south and central Gaza.
Ukraine says Russia has launched an assault to breach defences in northeastern Kharkiv
Russia pounded a town in Ukraine's northeast with artillery, rockets and guided aerial bombs Friday before attempting an infantry breach of local defences, authorities said, in a tactical switch that Kyiv officials have been expecting for weeks as the war stretches into its third year.
US says Rafah offensive would jeopardize cease-fire talks as Biden threatens to halt more Israel aid
The United States has warned Israel against launching a full-scale assault on Gaza's Rafah, Hamas' stronghold, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Biden threatened to pause offensive military aid to Israel if it proceeds with the operation. The U.S. views such an attack as strengthening Hamas' position and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite this, Israel remains defiant, with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing willingness to stand alone if necessary. The U.S. is urging Israel to pursue more surgical operations against Hamas and is committed to Israel's defense, including providing defensive arms.
Israel's Rafah evacuation order sparks global alarm
Israel calls for Rafah evacuation before potential ground invasion, escalating tensions with Hamas. International leaders intervene amid concerns for civilians. Truce talks stalled, violence escalates in Gaza.
Israel military begins evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah, radio says
Israeli armed forces have reportedly begun evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah in southern Gaza, ahead of a possible assault. The evacuation, focused on peripheral districts, aims to move people to tent cities in Khan Younis and Al Muwassi. This action comes as part of Israel's offensive against Hamas, with the military calling on residents in eastern Rafah to move to a "humanitarian area." The operation is raising concerns about potential high casualties, given the large number of displaced Palestinians in the area.
UN Security Council to vote on new Gaza ceasefire resolution
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a new draft resolution on an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza, following Russia and China's veto of an earlier text proposed by the United States. The Council has been divided over the Israel-Hamas war since the October 7 attacks, approving only two of eight resolutions, mainly dealing with humanitarian aid to the devastated Gaza Strip.
Top former US generals say failures of Biden administration in planning drove chaotic fall of Kabul
The top US generals overseeing the Afghanistan evacuation blamed the Biden administration for the chaotic departure, saying it was inadequately planned and ordered too late. They advised keeping 2,500 troops in Afghanistan for stability but were overruled. The State Department's delay in calling for an evacuation was cited as a major flaw. The White House defended Biden's decision to withdraw, citing constraints from previous agreements. The generals also discussed their discomfort with the lack of readiness for an evacuation and the challenges faced in the final days of the war.
Russia, Ukraine report air attacks in border areas, evacuate civilians
Russia and Ukraine reported repelling numerous air attacks late Tuesday and early Wednesday, leading to evacuations of civilians in border regions. Russian officials stated that air defence systems destroyed Ukraine-launched missiles and drones over several regions. In response, Ukraine ordered evacuations in the face of intense bombing in its northeastern border region of Sumy. No casualties or major damage were reported. The conflict, which started two years ago, has escalated with the use of drones and air weapons targeting military and civilian infrastructure.
Afghanistan retaliates against Pakistan after air strikes kill eight
Pakistani military air strikes kill Afghan civilians, prompting Afghan forces to retaliate. Tensions rise since Taliban's 2021 power seizure. Taliban condemns attacks on civilian homes. Malak Noor Khan witnesses drone bombings targeting Waziristan refugees.
Third edition of India-Maldives Core Group discuss deployment Indian personnel for aviation platforms
India-Maldives meeting discussed deploying technical personnel and civilians for aviation in Maldives, bilateral cooperation, ongoing projects, trade, people linkages, military personnel, President Muizzu, MNDF Air Corps, and UAVs.
Israel prepares return to ceasefire talks; UN says Gaza hunger crisis worsens
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported a concerning rise in acute malnutrition among children under two in northern Gaza, with one in three affected. This comes as Israel prepares for ceasefire talks with Hamas in Qatar. Israel's delegation, led by Mossad chief David Barnea, will discuss Hamas' proposal, which includes a prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, concerns mount over a planned Israeli offensive in Rafah, prompting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to warn of potential civilian casualties.
China says it backs Maldives to safeguard sovereignty as first batch of Indian military personnel leaves
China supports the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty as Indian military personnel are replaced by civilians. China signs a deal for 'non-lethal' weapons and grants the Maldives USD 130 million. Chinese tourists are being sent to reduce dependence on Indian tourists.
First batch of Indian military personnel operating helicopter leaves Maldives: Report
Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives have handed over the operations of a helicopter to an Indian civilian crew and returned to India. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China leader, has stated that no Indian military personnel will be present in the country after May 10.
Maldives military to have operational control of helicopter and civilian crew from India: MNDF official
The Maldivian Defence Force will have operational authority over the Indian helicopter and civilian crew provided to the island nation, according to the MNDF. Discussions are ongoing for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, with President Mohamed Muizzu's government deciding not to allow foreign troops to remain stationed beyond May 10. India is replacing military personnel with civilian experts to operate the helicopter, following Muizzu's election promise to expel Indian military personnel. The move comes amid tensions in India-Maldives ties, as Muizzu aims to strengthen ties with China.
Israel army proposes evacuation plan as PM Netanyahu vows push into Gaza's far-south
Foreign governments and aid organisations have repeatedly expressed fears that such an operation will inflict mass civilian casualties in Rafah, where around 1.4 million Palestinians -- most of them displaced from other areas -- have converged.
Israel PM orders army to prepare to evacuate civilians from Gaza's Rafah
Netanyahu told military and security officials to "submit to the cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions" of Palestinian militant group Hamas holed up in Rafah, a statement from his office said. The city is the last main population centre in the Gaza Strip that Israeli troops have yet to enter but is also the main point of entry for desperately needed relief supplies.
Israel announces three-hour Gaza highway clearance for evacuees on Saturday
In a social media post in Arabic, the military said the Salah a-Din road could be used between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (1100 GMT and 1400). "If you care about yourself and your loved ones, heed our instruction to head south," it added.
Over 8000 rockets fired at Israel, 2,50,000 civilians evacuated from their homes: IDF
IDF shared a video showing the Gaza Strip, including Hamas' military operational centres and headquarters where they plan their attacks, weapons and artillery used to target Israeli civilians. Additionally, they also showed the stockpiles of rocket launchers that are responsible for 60 per cent of Hamas' rocket fire.
Hamas blocking evacuation of civilians in Gaza: IDF ahead of ground offensive
The Israel Defence Force (IDF) has accused Hamas of preventing the evacuation of civilians in the Gaza Strip ahead of a potential ground offensive. The IDF claimed that Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv and southern Israel on Saturday night, and that it continues to target Hamas military targets. IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus stated that Hamas has issued warnings to civilians not to evacuate and has stopped convoys of people attempting to flee.
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