ISRAEL BLITZED AS ITS RAFAH ASSAULT LOOMS
Iran-backed fighters in drone attack.. but Blinken offers hope
IRAN-BACKED fighters have cranked up the pressure in the Middle East by using a killer drone to target a power plant in Tel Aviv.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has Iran’s support, yesterday claimed responsibility for the attack.
It is believed the deadly craft was shot down but it signals another escalation in the five-month conflict and is the latest in a series of Resistance attacks.
Israel is still poised to launch a ground offensive on the city of Rafah but hopes of a temporary peace were raised last night.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is meeting Middle East leaders said the “gaps are narrowing” in indirect negotiations between Israel and enemy Hamas over another ceasefire and hostage and prisoner release.
Mr Blinken said mediators worked with Israel to put a “strong proposal” on the table. Hamas rejected it but came back with other demands mediators are working on. Mr Blinken added: “The gaps are narrowing and I think an agreement is very much possible.” He later said there remain “real challenges” to sealing a deal.
The US is also seeking a swift vote on a tougher UN Security Council resolu
tion that demands “an immediate and sustained ceasefire”.
They are in a race against time as Israel’s IDF is preparing its assault on Rafah, which is said to be still packed with 1.4 million Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country can only achieve its goal of “total victory” against Hamas with an invasion of the city, said to hold four Hamas battalions.
In calling for a ceasefire, the US also hopes to ramp up aid deliveries. Yesterday, World Health Organisation chief Tedros Ghebreyesus said so little food has been allowed into Gaza that up to 60% of children under five are now malnourished.” He added: “The future of an entire generation is in serious peril.”
WHO also highlighted the continuing siege of Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, with reports of health workers being held.
Israel last night said it had detained at least 600 suspected militants there – including senior Hamas commanders.
International support for the war continues to waver.
It was reported that British Foreign Secretary David Cameron warned that European countries may cut back on exporting weapons to Israel. Canada has already frozen arms exports.
Agreement on another ceasefire is very much possible ANTONY BLINKEN US SECRETARY OF STATE