ISRAELI DEFENCE

Rafah border crossing can't reopen unless Israeli forces quit Gaza side, Egypt says

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated that the Rafah border crossing, crucial for aid deliveries into Gaza, cannot operate without Palestinian control. Israel seized the crossing last month during its offensive against Hamas in Rafah. Shoukry emphasized the importance of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty for regional stability. He also mentioned a positive meeting with U.S., Egyptian, and Israeli officials, although no agreement was reached on reopening the crossing. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Israeli forces were targeting tunnels between Gaza and Egypt, which Egypt denies exist.

Netanyahu calls Israeli strike on Rafah 'tragic mistake', says 'we are investigating case'

In his address at the Israeli Knesset on Monday, Netanyahu said, "Despite our best effort, not to harm those not involved, unfortunately a tragic mistake happened last night. We are investigating the case."

UN chief Antonio Guterres condemns Israeli strike in Rafah, says 'horror must stop'

UN Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights condemn Israeli strike in Rafah. 45 killed in Gaza camp. IDF targeted Hamas officials. Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake.' Paramedics, firefighters respond in safe zones. Sirens in Tel Aviv.

Israeli airstrikes hit Rafah, kills two senior Hamas commanders

Israeli airstrikes on Rafah on Sunday night killed two senior Hamas commanders and 35 others, injuring dozens more. The strike targeted a Hamas compound following Hamas's rocket attack on Tel Aviv. The IDF confirmed the deaths of Yassin Rabia, Hamas's West Bank headquarters commander, and Khaled Najjar, another senior commander. Rabia managed military operations and directed attacks in the West Bank, while Najjar coordinated shooting attacks and funneled funds to Hamas operatives. Despite an ICJ order to halt operations, Israel continued its assault in Rafah.

Israeli tanks advance further in Rafah as heavy fighting continues in Gaza

Israeli forces escalated military strikes in Gaza, with heavy fighting in Jabalia and tanks advancing into Rafah. At least five Palestinians were killed and others are trapped under rubble. The southern city of Rafah faced explosions and smoke as tanks pushed further into the Jneina district. Israel aims to retrieve hostages and dismantle Hamas. This has caused mass displacement and aid shortages in Gaza.

Israel allows Israelis to return to three evacuated West Bank settlements

The Israeli military approved the return of Israelis to three former West Bank settlements, Sa-nur, Ganim, and Kadim, near Jenin and Nablus. A fourth settlement, Homesh, was cleared for entry last year. Israelis require military permission to settle down in the West Bank. Israel continued military action in Gaza. Defence Minister Gallant talked on the security and settlement developments.

Israeli forces raze parts of Gaza's Jabalia, hit Rafah with airstrikes

Israeli forces intensified their operations in Gaza, targeting Jabalia in the north and Rafah in the south. Strikes hit hospitals and residential areas, leading to significant destruction and civilian casualties. The conflict, ongoing for eight months, has caused over 35,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement. Aid distribution faces severe disruptions, raising famine risks. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas, which controls Gaza. The humanitarian crisis worsens as northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals face critical challenges amid relentless military actions.

Israel vows to broaden Rafah sweep amid heavy fighting in parts of Gaza

Israel broadened its military operation in Gaza, focusing on Rafah to dismantle Hamas and rescue hostages. Battles intensified in Jabalia, Wadi Al-Salqa, and Al-Karara. U.S. urged targeted strikes on Hamas militants. Gaza medics reported 23 casualties.

Israeli forces recover another hostage's body from Gaza, a day after retrieving three

Israeli forces retrieved Ron Benjamin's body from Mefalsim, Gaza Strip, abducted by Hamas. Itzhak Gelerenter, Amit Buskila, and ShLouk's bodies were also recovered. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced the recovery in an overnight operation at the Supernova music festival near Re'im. The report was published by ANI.

Israeli leaders split over post-war Gaza governance

The Israeli army has been battling Hamas militants across Gaza for more than seven months while also exchanging near-daily fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah forces along the northern border with Lebanon.

UN starts probe into Indian staff killed by unidentified strike in Rafah

The United Nations is investigating an unidentified strike on a UN car in Rafah that killed its first international staff member in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Retired Indian Army officer Waibhav Anil Kale, who was working with the UN Department of Safety and Security, was killed amid Israel's intensified actions in Gaza.

Gaza War Day 222: IDF drone footage shows Hamas gunmen inside UNRWA logistics centre in Rafah

Indian Army to get first Hermes-900 drone on June 18, to boost surveillance on Pakistan border

The Hermes-900 known as the Drishti-10 drone is being supplied to Indian forces including Indian Army and Navy by AdDefence Systems. The first Hermes-900 was delivered to the Indian Navy in January this year. The second drone is being taken by the Army.

Israeli Defence Minister meets with US Secretary of State

Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in southern Israel. They visited Kibbutz Nir Oz, attacked by Hamas, and "Kerem Shalom", a key aid crossing to Gaza. They discussed returning hostages held by Hamas and the need to dismantle the terrorist group. Gallant emphasized the distinction between fighting Hamas and aiding Gaza's civilians. He reiterated Israel's determination to destroy Hamas, blaming them for starting the conflict.

Israel strikes Hamas rocket launchers, tunnel shafts

Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes in Gaza, targeting operational tunnel shafts, an anti-tank missile launch post, and Hamas terror infrastructure. The strikes were in response to a missile fired at Sderot, intercepted by aerial defenses. Fighter jets also targeted Hamas targets in central Gaza, including a terrorist squad and weapons storage facility. Additionally, two anti-tank missiles fired from Lebanon landed near Moshav Dovev in Israel, prompting IDF strikes on the sources of fire and on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Ahead of ceasefire talks in Cairo, Israeli strikes kill over 20

Israel has regularly carried out airstrikes on Rafah since the start of the war and has threatened to send in ground troops, saying Rafah is the last major Hamas stronghold in the coastal enclave. The United States and others have urged Israel not to invade, fearing a humanitarian catastrophe.

IAF successfully tests air-launched ballistic missile in Andamans, significantly boosts stand-off capabilities

The Indian Air Force achieved a milestone by successfully test-firing an air-launched ballistic missile, ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, capable of hitting targets over 250 kilometers away. The test, conducted from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, demonstrates India's commitment to enhancing defense capabilities. The missile, of Israeli origin, is designed to strike high-value targets and is effective in GPS-denied environments. Plans are underway to acquire Israeli missiles in large numbers through the Make in India initiative, showcasing the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing the defense industry.

'Complete madness': Israel rebukes US over reported sanctions plan against IDF unit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have strongly criticized the United States for reportedly planning to impose sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) Netzah Yehuda battalion over alleged human rights violations. They describe it as a "dangerous precedent" and a "height of absurdity" during a time of conflict. The US decision, if implemented, would be the first time such action is taken against an Israeli military unit. Israeli leaders have emphasized the battalion's adherence to military and international law and expressed concern over the implications of the sanctions.

Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site

Israeli drone attack near Isfahan activated Iranian air defenses. No direct Iranian acknowledgment. U.S. received last-minute info from Israel. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi confirms shooting at suspicious object.

Israel Defence Minister Gallant says Israeli troops redeploying for Rafah 'Mission'

Israel's Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant stated that Israeli troops withdrew from Khan Yunis in Gaza after Hamas ceased to exist as a military force in the city. The withdrawal was to prepare for future missions, including in Rafah. Gallant praised the IDF's achievements, noting the elimination of terrorists and destruction of terror targets. He emphasized the goal of dismantling Hamas as a military authority in Gaza to ensure it no longer poses a threat to Israel's citizens.

Building close to Iranian embassy hit in Syria, Iranian media report

An Israeli airstrike reportedly hit a building near the Iranian embassy in Damascus, according to Iranian media. While details remain scarce, Syrian state news agency SANA confirmed significant damage to a building in the Mezzeh neighborhood. Israel has increased airstrikes in Syria since an attack by Hamas in October, targeting Hezbollah and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, both of which support the Assad government.

Ongoing Gaza war helps Israeli defence firm Elbit System's revenue, but Q4 profit still sees a dip

Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems reported a boost in fourth-quarter revenue, driven by higher ammunition sales to Israel for its conflict against Hamas. Despite a 8% decline in quarterly earnings due to one-off charges, revenue increased to $1.6 billion. Elbit expects further sales gains in 2024, focusing on supporting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The company, which makes 80% of its sales outside Israel, plans to hire 2,000 more employees in 2024. It anticipates revenue growth from Israel following a government-approved budget increase for defense spending.

US and Israeli defence chiefs to meet as tensions rise over Gaza

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to meet with Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss strategies to address the threat of Hamas without resorting to a ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza. The meeting comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries, with Israel cancelling a visit to Washington in protest of a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. The US, which abstained from the vote, aims to explore alternatives to a ground invasion and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.