Trucks appeared to be moving through the Rafah border crossing into Gaza from Egypt, according to images shown on Egyptian state television. Diplomats have been racing to hammer out a deal to get aid into Gaza, where, according to the United Nations, essential supplies like food, water and fuel were running out and hospitals were nearing collapse.
As the situation in Gaza worsens, Israel is readying a ground offensive into Gaza.
The timing of any ground invasion remained unknown, but Israel was continuing to gather forces near the enclave. Military analysts said that an extended campaign could result in heavy casualties on both sides.
Nearly two weeks after it took about 200 people hostage during the attacks in Israel, Hamas released two Israeli-Americans. Judith Raanan, 59, and her daughter Natalie Raanan, 17, returned to Israel, where they spoke with President Biden by phone. A Qatari official said the country, which helped organize the release, would continue diplomatic efforts on the remaining hostages.
Here are some other developments:
-
The Biden administration tied its request for aid for Israel to Ukraine, formally asking Congress for $105 billion in emergency funding that would include $10.6 billion in military support for Israel and $61.4 billion for Ukraine.
-
Israeli authorities began to evacuate the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, as cross-border fire continued between Israeli forces and armed groups in Lebanon.
-
Violence is surging across the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where 13 Palestinians and one Israeli officer were killed in clashes on Thursday, according to Palestinian and Israeli officials.
