In a recent operation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully encircled Tel al-Sultan in Rafah, Gaza, with the objective of dismantling terror infrastructure sites and eliminating terrorists in the area. The mission aimed to reinforce control and expand the security zone in southern Gaza. During the nighttime operation, IDF troops encircled the area, neutralized several terrorists, and conducted a targeted raid on a terror infrastructure site. This site had been used as a command and control center for Hamas terrorists over the past few months. To ensure civilian safety, IDF troops facilitated the evacuation of civilians from the combat zone via organized routes. The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect Israeli civil ians.
Latvia PM: We need to boost EU defence spending fast
"I expect swift actions and really clear decisions," Latvia's prime minister said as she arrived at the emergency summit.
Evika Silina welcomed proposals to boost EU-wide defence spending but said increases need to come quickly.
With America halting all aid to Ukraine, European leaders have been moving to increase their defence budgets in order to help shore up Kyiv's front lines.
"It's a good opportunity for Ukraine to get peace, but peace through strength," Silina added. "Without strength there will be no long lasting peace."
Latvia spends 2.45% of its GDP on defence and together with the other Baltic states (Estonia and Lithuania) has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine.
She emphasised that what happens in Ukraine directly affects the security of her own country - and the rest of Europe.
"For Baltic states we really need to go very fast forward because we are frontline countries and we are already now spending a a lot of our own budget for defending Europe's border... as we are the NATO border."