Summary
- Egypt could open its border crossing with Gaza to allow in aid
- More than 1,000 Palestinians are missing under the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, with nearly 2,700 killed already
- US President Joe Biden has warned Israel occupying Gaza would be a “big mistake”
- Israel is massing its forces on the border in preparation for a ground invasion
- More than 1,400 people were killed in Israel when Hamas fighters attacked civilians and soldiers just over a week ago
Israel contradicts southern Gaza truce
The Israeli PM’s office has appeared to deny reports of a ceasefire in southern Gaza, less than an hour after Egyptian security sources told reporters a truce had been agreed to coincide with the reopening of the Rafah border crossing.
“There is currently no truce and humanitarian aid in Gaza in exchange for getting foreigners out,” a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office read.
Ceasefire agreed in southern Gaza
The US, Israel and Egypt have agreed to a ceasefire in southern Gaza to coincide with the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, two Egyptian security sources have told reporters.
The ceasefire is reportedly expected to begin now, following claims the Egyptian-controlled crossing would reopen at the same time.
Israel to evacuate near northern border
Israel says it will start the evacuation of residents in 28 villages up to 2km from its border in the north with Lebanon.
It follows intensifying fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah since the start of the conflict in Palestine a week ago.
At least one Israeli soldier died and three were wounded on Sunday, following repeated attacks by the Lebanese group at a military post in northern Israel.
In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces and the ministry of defence said the plan had been approved by Defence Secretary Yoav Gallant.
Residents of the evacuated villages will be moved to state-subsidised guest houses.
Border crossing set to reopen, Blinken says
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will reopen to allow humanitarian aid in, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said,
“Rafah will be reopened. We’re putting in place with the United Nations, with Egypt, with Israel, with others, a mechanism by which to get the assistance in and to get it to people who need it,” he said
Blinken made the comments after a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday but did not give further details.
US media have reported that the crossing will reopen at 9 a.m. local time on Monday for several hours. Aid convoys are already queueing to get in. Some dual nationals and foreign passport holders are also expected to be evacuated via the crossing.
