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.
Lavrov: Macron's nuclear rhetoric is a threat to Russia
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has responded to President Emmanuel Macron's speech warning of the threat to Europe from Moscow.
Addressing his people last night, Macron warned: "Beyond Ukraine, the Russian threat is real - it affects the European countries."
He has also raised the possibility of extending France's nuclear umbrella to protect allies in Europe.
In response, Lavrov said Macron's nuclear rhetoric was a threat to Russia.
"If he considers us a threat, convenes a meeting of the chiefs of general staff of European countries and Britain, says it is necessary to use nuclear weapons, prepares to use nuclear weapons against Russia, this is, of course, a threat," Lavrov was quoted by state news agency RIA as saying.
Use of peacekeepers 'equivalent to NATO'
The Kremlin has already made clear its staunch opposition to any peacekeeping presence in Ukraine following a potential peace deal.
Lavrov has reiterated that Moscow sees no compromise on the issue, adding that it would see a peacekeeping force acting in Ukraine as being equivalent to NATO forces acting against Russia.
France and the UK have both said they would be willing to commit boots on the ground in Ukraine to help enforce a peace deal.