Israel has ordered civilians in Rafah to move towards Khan Younis, in the clearest sign yet that a military operation is imminent. A ceasefire in Gaza looks as distant as ever with Hamas refusing to lay down arms unless there is a complete cessation of the war. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would go it alone if necessary, even in the face of criticism from its Western allies.

Rafah

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders to civilians in Rafah to move towards Khan Younis, signaling the high possibility of an upcoming military operation in the area. This directive to relocate to what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have described as a "humanitarian zone" in al-Mawassi, in addition to Khan Yunis, underscores the escalating tensions in the region.

The move comes amid diminishing hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza, with Hamas insisting on a full cessation of the war as a precondition for laying down arms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony in Jerusalem, expressed a firm stance against international criticism, stating Israel’s readiness to proceed alone if necessary to ensure victory. Netanyahu emphasized the country's determination to not be restrained by international objections, underscoring a commitment to striking against adversaries decisively.

Recent Israeli airstrikes in Rafah have tragically resulted in at least 22 fatalities, among them a five-day-old baby and his parents, highlighting the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict. These airstrikes targeted areas where a significant portion of Gaza's population has sought refuge, including Tal al-Sultan in Rafah. The situation further worsened following a Hamas rocket attack on the Kerem Shalom border crossing, which resulted in the death of three Israeli soldiers and injuries to others.

Despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, including proposals discussed in Cairo that suggested a 40-day halt in hostilities, prospects for peace remain grim. Hamas has communicated that it will only consider a ceasefire if it entails a comprehensive end to the conflict, leaving the region in a precarious state of uncertainty and violence.



Israeli army orders Palestinians to evacuate parts of Rafah

Gazans begin to pack up and move from Rafah after orders to evacuate from the Israeli military. The IDF on Monday morning called on civilians to move to what it called a humanitarian zone in al-Mawassi and also to Khan Yunis, suggesting its long-anticipated operation in Rafah is imminent. The United States and other allies of Israel have warned against the operation, saying it could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. But speaking in Jerusalem at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not be deterred by naysayers. The intention to tie our hands comes from various factors in the international community. From here, from Jerusalem, on the night of Holocaust Day, I am sending them a clear and decisive message. You will not tie our hands. Even if Israel is forced to stand alone, we will stand alone, and we will continue to strike our enemies powerfully until victory. At least 22 people, including a five-day-old baby, were killed on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, where more than half the population of Gaza are taking shelter. This baby, his father and mother were martyred in Tal al-Sultan in Rafah. An Israeli plane bombed their house. My brother and his wife were martyred immediately, and their son survived. Three Israeli soldiers were also killed and a dozen wounded in a Hamas rocket attack on Kerem Shalom border crossing. Prospects for a ceasefire remain bleak. The proposal hammered out in talks in Cairo had suggested a 40-day break in hostilities, but Hamas have said they will agree to a ceasefire only if there is a complete end to the war.

Crews in the U.S. city of Houston are working to restore power to nearly one million homes and businesses, after storms caused widespread damage. A Texas official says some residents could be without power for weeks.

Houston

Seven dead after powerful storms slam Houston, Texas

Heavy rains caused flooding in parts of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands overnight into this morning, swamping streets and buildings and sparking evacuations.

Berlin

Floods in parts of northern Europe after heavy rains

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Nouméa

Some neighbourhoods out of control in New Caledonia riots

Three Spanish tourists were killed and at least one Spaniard was injured in an attack by gunmen in Afghanistan's central Bamyan province, Spain's foreign ministry said on Friday.

Bamyan

Spanish tourists killed in Afghanistan shooting

Gregor Haas, father of Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas, has been arrested in the Philippines. Authorities allege that he attempted to smuggle five kilograms of methamphetamine into Indonesia, a crime that carries the death penalty.

Cebu City

Father of NRL star arrested in Philippines

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Aid rolls into Gaza as U.S. constructed pier opens

Surveillance video from a hotel in 2016 appears to show rapper and record mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, matching allegations she made in a now-settled civil suit against him.

Los Angeles

Video emerges of Sean 'Diddy' Combs assaulting woman

The world's number one ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested early this morning on his way to the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky. He is facing four charges including assault of an officer, after allegedly dodging a pedestrian death investigation.

Louisville

Scheffler, top ranked golfer arrested outside tournament

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French force arrives in New Caledonia

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Jerusalem

Aid trucks begin moving through Gaza pier, U.S. says

Israel was at the International Court of Justice Friday (May 17), defending its military operation in Gaza. The United Nations' top court wrapped up a third round of hearings on emergency measures requested by South Africa, which says Israel’s military incursion in Rafah threatens the “very survival of Palestinians in Gaza."

The Hague

Israel responds to genocide charges at U.N. court

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Kharkiv

Ukraine Invasion

Putin says Russia carving out 'buffer zone' around Kharkiv

FIFA will take independent legal advice on a call by the Palestinian Football Association to suspend its Israeli counterpart over events in Gaza, the world body's president said Friday (May 17).

Bangkok

FIFA to seek legal advice over Israel suspension

French police shot dead an armed man who set fire to a synagogue in the northwestern city of Rouen. Officers opened fire when the assailant threw an iron bar at them and threatened them with a knife as he left the building.

Rouen

French police kill attempted synagogue arsonist

The United States military on Thursday (May 17) said it had finished installing a floating pier for the Gaza Strip, with officials poised to begin ferrying humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.

Gaza floating pier project for aid deliveries complete

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Handlová

Slovakia PM in stable condition after surgery

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Beijing

Putin, Xi reinforce ties amid U.S. pressure to halt tech sales

A major reinforcement operation is underway to bolster security forces in the French Pacific island territory of New Caledonia. The airlift of police and soldiers follows three nights of protests over electoral reform. Four people have died in the unrest, including a police officer.

France sends forces to New Caledonia amid deadly riots

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Washington

U.S. House bill requires Biden to send weapons to Israel

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Manhattan

Trump's lawyer accuses Cohen of lying at hush money trial

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Banská Bystrica

Alleged gunman charged with Slovak PM's attempted murder

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Canberra

Opposition plans to slash foreign arrivals

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TikTok banned in New Caledonia amid riots

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Russia's Vladimir Putin meets China's Xi Jinping in Beijing

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U.S. Justice Department may prosecute Boeing

France declared a state of emergency on the Pacific island of New Caledonia after three young indigenous Kanak and a police official were killed in riots over electoral reform.

France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia

Israel's defense minister publicly challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the country's post-war plans for the Gaza Strip, with Yoav Gallant stressing his opposition of any long-term military rule by Israel in the ravaged Palestinian enclave.

Israel's defense chief challenges Netanyahu on Gaza

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Opposition wants fewer migrants to ease housing crisis

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Council of the City of Sydney

Former NRL player charged over alleged drug supply

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has been undergoing surgery after being shot in a suspected assassination attempt, as he greeted supporters after a meeting. Five shots were fired at close range, while security scrambled to confront the shooter. The government says the attack, which has left the prime minister in a critical but stable condition, was politically motivated.

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Israel-Gaza War