US President hails Rafah crossing movements

By Nathan Morley

US President Joe Biden has hailed the diplomatic efforts that allowed the first civilians to leave Gaza into Egypt at the Rafah crossing.

The crossing was partially opened on Wednesday.

Speaking to the press,  Biden thanked Qatar in particular for its support in the negotiations.

More civilians reportedly left Gaza via the Rafah crossing on Thursday; the United Nations says more than 400 people did so on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces say its troops have advanced deep into the Gaza strip.

An Israeli army commander said forces ‘were at the gates of Gaza city’. Furthermore, it was asserted that troops from ground, sea and air forces had broken through Hamas lines of defence in the north of Gaza.ì

On the ground, five main battles are reportedly  taking place between Israel and Hamas in the north of the Gaza Strip.

In other developments, the Hamas health ministry in Gaza says 9,000 people have been killed since the start of the Israeli bombardment.