Families in Gaza search desperately for food and water

People look for salvageable items in a house damaged during Israeli bombardment in Rafah

Israel's bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, now in its 13th week, have pushed almost all Palestinians toward the southern city of Rafah along the Egyptian border. The area had a prewar population of around 280,000, a figure that has bulged to over 1 million in recent days, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

Rafah's apartment blocks are crammed with people, often extended families who have opened their doors to displaced relatives. West of the city, thousands of nylon tents have sprung up. Thousands more people are sleeping in the open, despite the cool and often rainy winter weather. Palestinians seeking refuge in southern Gaza say every day has become a struggle to find food, water, medicine and bathrooms.

Displaced Palestinians who fled Khan Yunis line for food in Rafah. Pics/AP

Hostage held in Gaza dies in captivity

A community that was attacked during Hamas' Oct. 7 assault into southern Israel says one of its residents, who was taken hostage, has died in captivity. The Kibbutz Nir Oz community did not give a cause of death Friday for Tamir Adar, 38. Of some 250 people captured during Hamas' attack, around 80 were taken from Nir Oz alone, out of a population of around 400.

Houthis launch sea drone for attack despite warning

An armed unmanned surface vessel launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen got within a "couple of miles" of US Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea before detonating on Thursday. This happened just hours after the White House and partner nations issued a final warning to the Iran-backed militia group to cease attacks or face military action. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper said it was the first time the Houthis had used an unmanned surface vessel, or USV.

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