It was supposed to be the opening day of Rafah crossing to receive humanitarian aid for the Palestinians, but there is talk of another postponement. It’s the day of Biden’s speech on the situation in the Middle East and on helping Israel and Ukraine against “Hamas and Russia, who want to destroy democracies.” But these are also the hours when the entry into the mountains seems very close Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip.
The order to invade the Gaza Strip will come soon, Israel’s defense minister told the soldiers. “The battle is shifting to Hamas territory” in Gaza, the commander of the Israeli Southern Army said. And the conflict threatens to spread. Warning sirens are sounding in both the south and north of Israel due to rocket attacks from Gaza and Lebanon. A US destroyer in the northern Red Sea was shot down by missiles and several drones fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen, “possibly aimed at targets in Israel,” the Pentagon said.
02:32
US aid: 60 billion for Ukraine, 14 for Israel
President Biden gave no details on how the aid requested by Congress would be distributed, but according to Portal, $60 billion in military and humanitarian aid would go to Ukraine and $14 billion to Israel. The request also includes $10 billion in humanitarian assistance, $14 billion to strengthen border security and $7 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. Half of the $60 billion requested for Ukraine will go toward replacing and modernizing American weapons stocks.
02:24
Biden on the hostages: “Every option to bring them home”
“We will use every opportunity to bring the hostages home,” President Biden said. At least thirteen Israeli-Americans were among the more than two hundred hostages held by Hamas since October 7
02:22
Biden on the Middle East: “The solution is two states”
“We cannot give up on peace, the solution is two states” for Israel and the Palestinians, Biden said about the situation in the Middle East.
02:16
Biden: “We must overcome divisions”
“I know there are differences in our country, but we have to overcome them”
02:16
Biden: “Gaza urgently needs food, water, medicine”
“The people of Gaza urgently need food, water and medicine,” US President Joe Biden said in his address to the nation from the White House.
02:08
Biden: “I will ask Congress for an investment”
Biden: “The package I am demanding from Congress is unprecedented for Israel. We must prevent this conflict from spreading.”
02:06
Biden on TV: “Our allies are watching us, the conflict can spread”
Biden: “Our allies are monitoring our response in Ukraine. If we were to withdraw, others would feel entitled to do the same. American values are what everyone wants to work with us for.” And again: “The conflict can expand, the victories in Israel and Ukraine are crucial for security.” Iran supports Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region. The United States and our partners in the region are working to build a better future.”
02:02
Biden on TV: “Hamas and Russians want to destroy democracies”
The actions of the Hamas terrorists were heartbreaking, and there were also casualties among the Palestinians. Your humanity cannot be ignored. But let’s not forget the mass graves caused by the Russians. They are different threats, but they want to destroy democracies
01:30
UN, 6 speakers accuse Israel of “crimes against humanity”
Six UN special rapporteurs accuse Israel of an act Crimes against humanity in Gaza, after 16 days of siege of that area, military actions, arrests and killings, and claim that there is a “risk of genocide” in Palestinian territory. “There is no justification for these crimes and we are appalled by the international community’s inaction in the face of this warmonger,” the U.N. experts said in a statement. They added that Gaza’s population, half of its two million residents are children, has already suffered decades of illegal occupation that violates international law.
00:59
US Secret Service: Between 100 and 300 victims in hospital massacre
Reports of the hospital massacre in Gaza have been circulating, according to numerous reports. American intelligence now estimates that “between 100 and 300 people” died in the explosion.
(afp) 00:53
The Rafah border crossing will not open today
The Rafah border crossing will not open today, Friday, as expected and planned. This is reported by CNN, citing some sources who speak of new delays in the opening. Some “structural issues” on the roads need to be resolved, CNN adds, after which the crossing could open on Saturday.
(afp) 00:40
UN: Person killed in Lebanon near Blue Line
The United Nations has confirmed the killing of one person and the wounding of another in southern Lebanon, near the Blue Line with Israel. This was stated by the spokesman for the UN military contingent stationed in southern Lebanon (Unifil).
00:27
IDF general: “The war will be long and intense”
The head of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Southern Command said that Israeli forces are completing preparations for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, speaking to troops near the Gaza border, said the expected ground offensive in Gaza “will be long and intense. We will defeat them on their own territory,” he said. “It will be difficult, long and intense.”
00:01
Biden: “Strive for Israelis and Palestinians to live together”
“We must continue to pursue a path so that both the Israeli and Palestinian people can live in security, dignity and peace.” Joe Biden tweets this on X two hours before his address to the nation from the Oval Office.