Rockets from Rafah again target crossing: Israel
The Israeli army says the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, which has been key to Gaza aid operations, was again targeted by rocket fire that “lightly injured” one soldier.
“Eight launches were identified crossing from the area of Rafah into the area of Kerem Shalom,” a military statement read, adding that “as a result of the launches, an [Israeli army] soldier was lightly injured”.
Last week, Israel closed the crossing point for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza after rockets were fired at a military base in southern Israel near the site, killing three soldiers.
‘For the sake of humanity’: WHO says ceasefire ‘urgently’ needed
Head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called for the “removal of all obstacles” in Gaza in order to provide residents with humanitarian aid.
“A ceasefire is needed urgently for the sake of humanity,” he posted on X.
.@WHO calls for removal of all obstacles to the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance into and across #Gaza, at the scale that is required.
A ceasefire is needed urgently for the sake of humanity. pic.twitter.com/jOxMw7UZvB
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 8, 2024
‘Extreme fear and endless anxiety’ as Israel moves into Rafah
Hospital records show at least 25 people were wounded after Israeli artillery fire struck a part of central Rafah, an area Israel did not call on Palestinians to evacuate ahead of its incursion.
“We are living in Rafah in extreme fear and endless anxiety,” said Muhanad Ahmad Qishta, 29. Israel’s military campaign has been one of the deadliest and most destructive in recent history, reducing large parts of Gaza to rubble.
President Biden has repeatedly warned Prime Minister Netanyahu against launching an invasion of Rafah. But Netanyahu has ignored the statements.
