Middle East latest: Netanyahu gives statement after hostage rescue; six-week ceasefire ‘seems possible’
A report alleges US President Joe Biden is scathing about Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu behind the scenes. Meanwhile, the Israeli military says it has rescued two hostages from captivity in Gaza – where dozens have been killed in strikes on the crowded city of Rafah.
Tuesday 13 February 2024 06:38, UK
Israel-Hamas War
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Key points
US working on six-week ceasefire deal, Biden says, as he warns Netanyahu to consider civilians ahead of Rafah assault View post
Analysis: Six-week ceasefire ‘seems possible’ View post
Senate set to progress aid bill for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan View post
At least 67 killed in Rafah strikes as new number released for war so far by Hamas View post
Analysis: Why is Israel targeting Rafah? View post
Live reporting by Ollie Cooper
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10m ago
01:38
US Senate set to progress aid bill for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan
The Democratic-led Senate in the US has moved to progress an aid bill that would see some $95bn (around £75bn) worth of aid distributed among Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
However, it still needs to go through the House of Representatives – which is controlled by the Republican Party.
The Senate voted 66-33 to meet a 60-vote margin and push aside a procedural hurdle before final consideration of the bill.
The Senate will vote again today to pass or oppose the bill – and it is widely expected to pass.
However, both houses of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) must approve the legislation before President Biden can sign it into law.
Hardline Republicans have vehemently opposed the bill, suggesting funding would better be directed toward addressing what they see as a migration crisis on the US’s southern border.
Representatives’ Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated the House could split the legislation into two separate bills, while GOP members have cast doubt on any chance of the bill going through.
“The bill before us today… will never pass in the House, will never become law,” Republican senator Rick Scott of Florida said.
We’ll be across any developments on this story over the coming days.
How is the funding split up?
The proposed bill currently offers $61bn (£48bn) for Ukraine, $14bn (£11bn) for Israel in its war against Hamas and just under $5bn (£4bn) to support partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan.
It would also provide $9bn (£7bn) in humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine and other conflict zones around the globe.
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35m ago
01:13
Good morning
Welcome back to our live coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and the broader Middle East crisis.
Late last night, US President Joe Biden urged Israel not to proceed with a military operation in Rafah without a “credible plan” to ensure the safety of civilians.
He also said the US had been working on a deal between Israel and Hamas that could see a pause in fighting for at least six weeks.
Fears of a ground operation in Rafah, which is densely populated with refugees, come after Israeli special forces carried out a rescue operation in the southern Gazan city, retrieving two hostages – Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70 – from a heavily guarded building.
A number of airstrikes were carried out at the same time, which Hamas officials said killed at least 67 people.
Before we start bringing you the day’s latest updates, here’s a reminder of the other key events from the last 24 hours:
EU foreign policy boss Josep Borrell made a thinly veiled call for the US to rethink the military aid it is giving to Israel;
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees warned the situation in Rafah was becoming “more and more difficult” for staff to operate in;
The UK imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals over “threatened and perpetrated acts of aggression and violence” against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank;
Sources told our US partner network NBC News that Joe Biden called the Israeli prime minister an “asshole” in private conversations about him;
A Dutch appeals court ordered the Netherlands to stop exporting F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel within seven days.
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8h ago
17:33
Watch: Aftermath of Israeli airstrike on Rafah
In the early hours of this morning, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Rafah as it worked to rescue two hostages being held there.
More than half of Gaza’s population have taken shelter in the southern city. The Hamas-led health ministry said at least 67 people were killed in the attacks.
Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signalled that it may soon launch a ground offensive in the area.
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8h ago
16:56
Why Israel’s imminent Rafah offensive has prompted international condemnation
More than a million Palestinians sheltering around the southern city of Rafah are braced for an offensive by the Israeli army, with nowhere left to flee inside Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his office has ordered the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to develop a plan to evacuate the city and destroy four Hamas battalions it claims are deployed there.
Where is Rafah and what is the situation there?
The city of Rafah is located in the south of Gaza, right on the border with Egypt.
After Israel began its intense bombardment of the densely-populated strip in the wake of the Hamas’s 7 October attacks, Mr Netanyahu told people in Gaza to evacuate to “safe zones” in the south of the territory – with 1.4 million Palestinians now thought to be sheltering in Rafah.
There is now no obvious place to go and aid agencies have warned that many people could be killed.
Why is Israel targeting Rafah?
Military analyst Major General Charlie Herbert told Sky News that after operations in northern Gaza, Gaza City, central Gaza, and Khan Younis, the IDF was turning its attention to Rafah – and the Hamas battalions it claims are there.
“Israel seeks to destroy or defeat the remaining elements of Hamas, but they’re also after the senior leadership of Hamas, where they haven’t had any success yet,” Maj Gen Herbert said.
“They’re going to persevere until they do that.”
Turning to what this means for the displaced Palestinians sheltering in the city, Maj Gen Herbert said “there’s nowhere obvious for them to go”.
“There’s been huge international condemnation at the moment about this imminent offensive by Israel and no obvious plans by the IDF as to how they’re going to cope with these numbers of civilians,” he explained.
Read more of this explainer here…
Why Israel’s imminent Rafah offensive has prompted international condemnation – and what it means for a million people in Gaza | World News | Sky News
Sky News
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9h ago
16:38
US working on deal that could see six-week pause in Gaza, says Biden
In the last few moments Joe Biden has been addressing reporters in Washington.
The US president has been hosting Jordan’s King Abdullah II for talks at the White House today, with the two leaders discussing the situation in the Israel-Hamas war.
He said bringing home hostages still being held by Hamas was a “top priority” for America, and said the US has been “actively working” on a deal that could lead to a period of calm in Gaza for at least six weeks.
Joe Biden and King Abdullah II
Joe Biden and King Abdullah II
Reuters
“I’ve had calls with Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu as well as the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to push this forward. The key element of the deal are on the table,” he said.
He said some gaps remain, but added: “The United States will do everything possible to make it happen.”
Mr Biden described the situation in Gaza as “heartbreaking,” and said hundreds of thousands of people have no access to food, water and other basic services.
The president also confirmed that the pair discussed the situation in Rafah, and said no military operation should proceed in the city without a “credible plan” to ensure the safety of civilians.
“Many people there have been displaced multiple times. Now they’re packed into Rafah, exposed and vulnerable,” Mr Biden said.
“They need to be protected, and we’ve been clear from the start – we oppose any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza,” he added.
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9h ago
16:20
Canada warns Israeli operation in Rafah would be ‘devastating’
Canada has joined fellow nations in urging Israel not to mount a ground invasion of Rafah – and warned such an attack would be “devastating”.
Israel has said it is planning an offensive in the southern Gazan city, which has been considered the last relatively safe place for civilians in the enclave.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said it wants the military to evacuate Rafah and destroy four Hamas battalions it claims are deployed there.
“I’m very concerned about what’s going on in Gaza, in particular in Rafah,” Canada’s foreign minister Melanie Joly said.
“The operation would be devastating and is devastating to Palestinians and all those seeking refuge.
“What the Netanyahu government is asking them to do, which is to leave again, is unacceptable. Because they have nowhere to go and so that’s why we need right now for the violence to stop,” she added.
Ms Joly said she would be holding talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington to discuss the matter tomorrow.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Israel has the right to defend itself but has gradually hardened his tone amid the growing number of civilian deaths in Gaza.
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9h ago
15:59
Watch: Will Israeli forces attack Rafah?
Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signalled that a ground offensive may soon begin there.
The UK has urged Israel to “stop and think seriously” before taking any action, while the US has called for the country to agree to a ceasefire.
Sky’s military analyst Michael Clarke has been taking a look at whether Israel is likely to attack the southern city, and if it will agree to a military pause.
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10h ago
15:25
Biden hosts Jordan’s king as pair expected to discuss hostage rescue effort
Joe Biden is hosting Jordan’s King Abdullah II for talks at the White House today.
The pair are expected to cover the effort to free hostages held in Gaza and the growing concern over a possible Israeli military operation in the border city of Rafah.
It is the first meeting between the allies since three American troops were killed last month in a drone strike against a US base in Jordan.
King Abdullah II and Joe Biden
King Abdullah II and Joe Biden
Reuters
The US president blamed Iran-backed militias for the deaths, the first for America after months of strikes by such groups against forces across the Middle East.
Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pose for a picture with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein
Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pose for a picture with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein
The meeting with King Abdullah II comes as Mr Biden and his aides work to broker another pause in the Israel-Hamas war, in order to send humanitarian aid and supplies into the region and get hostages out.
The White House has been facing mounting criticism from Arab Americans over the administration’s continued support for Israel in the face of growing casualties in Gaza.
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10h ago
15:04
Labour withdraws support for by-election candidate after criticism of remarks about Israel
Labour has withdrawn its support for Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali following criticism of his remarks about Israel.
Sky News understands he is suspended from the party pending an investigation.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Following new information about further comments made by Azhar Ali coming to light today, the Labour Party has withdrawn its support for Azhar Ali as our candidate in the Rochdale by-election.”
You can read more on this story in our other blog, the Politics Hub…
Politics latest: Labour withdraws support for Rochdale candidate
Sky News
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11h ago
14:19
Watch: IDF releases footage of hostages being rescued
The Israel Defence Forces has released footage claiming to show the dramatic rescue of two hostages from Gaza.
Special forces rescued the two men – Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har – in the early hours of this morning.
In the clip, soldiers can be heard telling the men that they will need to move “a bit quickly” and board a helicopter to be taken to a hospital.
Asked if he would like a blanket, Mr Har declines, saying: “No, it’s warm in the heart.”
Troops stormed a heavily guarded building in Rafah and extracted the men while under fire.
The men – aged 60 and 70 – were said to be “a bit frail” but communicating well.
At least 67 Palestinians were killed in the operation, most of them in airstrikes, Hamas officials said.
Sky News has not independently verified the footage.
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11h ago
13:57
White House presses Israel to agree to humanitarian pause
The White House has pressed Israel to work toward a pause in fighting in Gaza to free hostages and allow humanitarian aid to enter the region.
John Kirby, the US national security spokesman, said progress had been made in negotiations towards a humanitarian pause but more work needed to be done.
“We continue to support an extended humanitarian pause,” he told reporters.
He also said the US does not have specific information on where hostages were being held by Hamas, adding it may need to accept the possibility that some hostages are no longer alive.
He spoke a day after Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a military operation in Rafah “should not proceed” without a plan to protect civilians there.
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12h ago
13:26
International Criminal Court prosecutor ‘deeply concerned’ by situation in Rafah
An International Criminal Court prosecutor has said he is “deeply concerned” by the situation in Rafah.
Karim Khan also reiterated the ICC was “actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed” in Gaza.
His comments come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said four Hamas battalions were in Rafah.
It said Israel cannot achieve its goal of eliminating militants while they remain there.
Mr Khan also called for the immediate release of all the hostages being held by Hamas, adding that this “also represents an important focus of our investigations”.
Israel is not a member of the Hague-based court and does not recognise its jurisdiction.
But Mr Khan in October stressed his court had jurisdiction over any potential war crimes carried out by Hamas in Israel and by Israelis in Gaza.
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12h ago
12:53
Israel is listening to allies – but Rafah operation must go ahead, says IDF spokesman
An Israeli operation in Rafah must go forward, but the country is listening to the concerns of its allies, an Israel Defence Forces spokesman has said.
Speaking to Sky News, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said the Israeli military carried out a rescue mission in the southern Gazan city in the early hours of this morning, but a “widespread operation” had still not been mobilised.
“We are listening to our allies in the US and the UK and we are listening their concerns, but the operation needs to go forward in order to dismantle and destroy Hamas and bring home hostages,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner
Asked how the IDF will protect civilians, he said the military was creating a “paradigm change” to the security of Israel.
Up until now, Israel has urged civilians to move south to avoid its ground operation in the north.
But Rafah is the southernmost city in the enclave, meaning it is unclear where they will be moved to if Israel decides to launch an operation there.
Asked where Israel is planning to move civilians to, Lt Col Lerner avoided giving a direct answer to the question, instead stressing that the IDF was “not in a rush”.
“The reality is one where there is no quick fix to this situation,” he said.
“We have evacuated civilians extensively and it can be done again,” he added.
He explained the government has instructed the military to come up with an evacuation plan, but said he cannot go into further detail.
Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signalled that a ground offensive may soon begin there.
The UK has urged Israel to “stop and think seriously” before taking any action, while the US has called for the country to agree to a ceasefire.
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13h ago
12:30
Satellite images show huge number of tents in Rafah
Satellite images have revealed the huge number of tents and temporary structures that have been put up in Rafah since November last year.
As the southern city’s population swelled, rural areas were quickly transformed into makeshift towns.
This photo was captured by Planet Labs on 3 November.
Planet Labs
Planet Labs
This one was taken over the same area on 4 February.
Planet Labs
Planet Labs
It is estimated around 1.5 million people are staying in the region, with many living in makeshift tents, schools or aid shelters.
Amnesty International has warned a potential Israeli offensive in the city could have a “disastrous impact” and destroy Gaza’s entire humanitarian aid system.
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13h ago
12:16
Listen: Will Netanyahu pause the offensive on Rafah?
The UK says Israel should “stop and think seriously” and the US wants to see a credible plan for civilians – but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists an offensive in Rafah is needed to defeat Hamas.
As Israel rescued two hostages in the southern city, dozens were killed in the airstrikes that accompanied the operation.
There are now more than a million people in the city – with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees saying conditions are getting worse.
So can Israel be convinced to pause any ground offensive?
On this Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to our correspondent in Jerusalem, Diana Magnay, and defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke.
Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts
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13h ago
12:09
Potential Israeli operation in Rafah ‘risks further atrocity crimes’, warns UN official
A potential Israeli operation in Rafah “risks further atrocity crimes” in Gaza, a UN official has warned.
Volker Turk said the prospect of such an operation in the southern Gazan city is “terrifying” and could leave an “extremely high number” of civilians dead or injured.
Around 1.5 million people are thought to be taking refuge in Rafah, of which hundreds of thousands have fled from the north of the besieged enclave.
Volker Turk
Volker Turk
Reuters
“The prospect of such an operation into Rafah, as circumstances stand, risks further atrocity crimes,” the UN high commissioner for human rights said.
“This incursion into Rafah may also mean the end of the meagre humanitarian aid that has been entering and distributed, with huge implications for all of Gaza, including the hundreds of thousands at grave risk of starvation and famine in the north.”
He urged Israel to comply with international law and called on world leaders to help put an end to the war.
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13h ago
11:49
Netanyahu says hostage rescue was ‘one of the most successful’ operations in Israeli history
Benjamin Netanyahu has praised special forces who helped rescue two hostages being held in Rafah for completing “one of the most successful” operations in Israeli history.
Israel’s prime minister said the troops “eliminated” Hamas fighters and returned from Gaza “unscathed”.
“Perfect operation, perfect execution and I want to tell you – I am so proud of you,” he told them.
Israeli forces rescued two hostages in the early hours of this morning, storming a heavily guarded building in Rafah.
The troops freed them under fire and covering airstrikes that local Hamas officials said killed at least 67 people.
The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis, and the rescue operation will have briefly lifted the spirits of the nation, which has criticised Mr Netanyahu for not doing enough to bring hostages home.
Israel has described the southern Gaza city as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in the territory and signalled that a ground offensive may soon begin there.
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14h ago
11:17
‘It will be the next modern century massacre’ – Young girl describes life in Rafah as people wait for Israel to attack
A young girl living in Rafah has told Sky News an Israeli ground offensive in her city could be a modern day massacre.
Daiana Albukhari showed Sky News around a small area of a school she is staying in with her family, alongside many others.
Her space, which she shares with five other members of her family, includes a bed, made from a few blankets and pillows, and some shelves.
Pre-packed bags have been put within easy reach in case the area is attacked, she said.
“There is no electricity, no food, no clean water. You have to queue for hours to take a shower or to use the toilet,” she said.
She explained that people within the shelter were anticipating an Israeli ground attack soon – something Israel has signalled may take place.
The Israel Defence Forces has said Rafah is home to the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza.
“We are expecting Israeli forces to come to Rafah very soon, and people here are so depressed,” Daiana said.
Daiana Albukhari
Daiana Albukhari
“People are saying it is going to be the next modern century massacre, or they are going to take us to Egypt. People don’t want to go to Egypt.
“The sounds of bombing is non-stop and it is getting nearer every day.”
In a message to governments around the world, she warned a massacre is “near” and urged for them to do something to help.
“To all free people, what else do you want to see to stop this, do you want to see Israeli tanks stepping on our bodies?” she asked.
“If the world wanted to stop this, it would stop.”
You can watch Daiana’s full video diary at 9pm on The World with Yalda Hakim programme.
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15h ago
10:33
EU chief suggests US rethink its military aid to Israel
A European Union chief has made a thinly veiled call for the US to rethink the military aid it is giving to Israel.
EU foreign policy boss Josep Borrell hinted Joe Biden should reconsider the assistance due to the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza.
He said the US president has called Israel’s operation in the region “over the top” and recalled a number of American officials saying too many people have been killed.
“Well, if you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people being killed,” Mr Borrell told reporters.
“If the international community believes that this is a slaughter, that too many people are being killed, maybe we have to think about the provision of arms,” he added.
Washington sends around £3bn in military aid to Israel each year.
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15h ago
10:17
Eyewitness: What’s happening in Iraq – and why it bodes badly for violence spreading in Middle East
By Alex Crawford, special correspondent
Several of Iraq’s powerful armed groups have told Sky News in rare interviews that they will continue attacks against US forces based in Iraq and the region for what they see as America’s support of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
And one of Iraq’s leading MPs, who was put on the US terror sanctions list just a few weeks ago, accused America of deliberately trying to destabilise his country – telling us: “We don’t want war, but we are not afraid of it.”
The language and warnings from all those interviewed bodes very badly for the stability of both Iraq and the entire region.
The threats come as the UN envoy to Iraq described the rising tensions as a “critical juncture”.
They come after a spike in deadly tit-for-tat attacks between US forces and the Iraqi-based armed groups over the past fortnight.
It has contributed to mounting concern in Iraq and beyond that what’s happening in Gaza – which has already resulted in a violent spillover in the country and is affecting stability amongst its neighbours Yemen, Syria and Jordan – will lead to secondary all-out war.
