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Added on the 29/04/2024 12:52:03 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The United States says it does not consider Israel's deadly hostage rescue operation in Rafah to be a full-scale operation and still opposes an offensive without a plan to protect civilians. "Without such a plan that is credible, and that they can execute, we do not support a full-scale military operation," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
Antony Blinken called Wednesday on Israel to prioritise civilians in Gaza's Rafah, but stopped short of urging against military action in the packed Palestinian city. The US Secretary of State also warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government against actions and talk that raise tensions. "I also raised our profound concerns about actions and rhetoric, including from government officials, that inflame tensions that undercut international support and place greater restraints on Israel's security," Blinken told reporters at a press conference in Tel Aviv. SOUNDBITE
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for Israel and Hamas to "go an extra mile" to seal a truce and says a ground invasion in Rafah would be "intolerable." SOUNDBITE
Israel has not shared a date for an assault on Gaza's Rafah with the United States, which will keep raising concerns, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the time was set. "No, we do not have any date for an operation, at least one that's been communicated to us by the Israelis," Blinken tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller says a "full-scale invasion" of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip by Israeli forces "would be a mistake." SOUNDBITE
Supporters of Zambian President Lungu hold a rally in Lusaka during a tense presidential race, which has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The presidential election will take place on Thursday. IMAGES.