kensington tours israel and jordan

Deals of the Week   Solo is the new black   Up to 50% OFF

Israel and Jordan Tours & Trips

Explore our diverse offer of tour packages that will take you to new places echoing with thousands of years of history. From the panoramic views over the City of Jerusalem to the unique scenery of the beaches located by the Dead Sea, our tours will reveal these beautiful places. Pick here on of our Jordan and Israel adventures .

246 Israel and Jordan tour packages with 1,788 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Holy Land Israel & Jordan and Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise - 17 Days

some of the hotels are not to the standard what was promised for

• Sightseeing

Highlights of Israel and Jordan - 11 days

Great coverage of important sights in Israel and Jordan. Extremely knowledgeable guides on the history of those sites.

Israel, Jordan and Petra 9-Day Adventure

Excellent tour and great value for money.

• Coach / Bus

Israel, Jordan and Egypt 10 days

Guides were excellent

Road to Jerusalem - 11 days

Overall a good tour. Archaeological sites well covered. Too much time in Dead Sea area. Jordan tour bus had poor listening quality for the tour guide comments. Another day in Israel would have made a more complete tour.

Israel and Jordan ( 13 days )

Having 2 guides on one tour bus is not a good thing

Holy Land Discovery with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary

The tour was excellent in scope. Our Tour Guide Samir is the best I have ever had!!!! In retrospect and talking with fellow tour members I would have done thing differently if I had direct contact with either Tourradar and Cosmos. I.e plane arrangemets and trip modifications. Mike Steven

Biblical Israel with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel - Protestant Itinerary

I enjoyed the tour very much. The guide was very knowledgeable of places we seen and toured. We asked questions and he answered very intelligently.

Journey Through the Holy Land with Jordan - Faith-Based Travel

Our guide for Jordan Tour, Suhaib was fantastic! - he was very organised and knowledgeable. Everybody loves him.

11 Days Highlights of Israel and Jordan (Multi country)

It was a great experience.

Highlights of Israel & Jordan - 11 days

Beautiful itinerary, good accommodation and good meals. Competent tour guides. Perhaps lunches stops in Israel could have been planned better.

Best of Israel & Jordan

the tour is organized well, all the customer service is excellent. Only thing I wish the tour should offer is the hotel upgrade option. The hotels during the trip are mediocre, I don't mind to pay extra for the upgrade. But the option is not offered. This could be a major concern to book future trip.

• River Cruise

Israel, Jordan and Egypt with Nile Cruise 12 days

We had an amazing time. I will definitely recommend this tour to my friends and family. Thank you for making this experience a memorable one.

Holy Land and Jordan - Group Tour

Just finished one of my beautiful memorable a week long journey through the hidden gem of Middle East Jordan with Trip500. Didnt know any other sight than Patra so each day there were surprises for me. Wadi e Rum, Karak, Citadel, Mount Nebu, Baptism Site other places from north to south .... I dont think much world knows about were great to visit n see. Moreover, middle in the areas of wars and conflicts, always the most peaceful and safe country to visit without any hesitation. From first day's airport pick up to last day's airport drop off, every aspect of the trip was perfectly managed. The guide (Maalik) provided to our group was simply amazing ... his trip planning, execution , time management , sight/history briefing etc were fantastic. Food was amazing ????? I highly recommend Trip500 for anyone looking to explore Jordan. Their expertise and attention to details for creating memorable journeys reflects through every aspect of their service.

Israel, Jordan and Cairo ( 15 days )

What people love about israel and jordan tours.

My wife and I went on a 17-day tour of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. The tour was well orchestrated. All the details of getting into and out of countries were handled professionally and with little cause of concern to us. Hand-offs between countries went well. We were guided by knowledgable people who had our best interests at heart (with possibly one exception).The only real complaint I have is that TourRadar turned out to be more of a facilitator than a tour agency with its own guides. I was confused when we got to Israel and found that neither TourRadar nor Click Tours (which answered my online questions) was the agency actually leading the tours. Not knowing that we would be connecting with Consolidated Tour Operators (CTO) led to some initial confusion in the Tel Aviv airport. Expecting to be linked up with Click Tours and knowing nothing about CTO, we missed connecting with the airport facilitator in Tel Aviv for nearly an hour while each of tried to find the other. If I had been told to look for a CTO representative, our stressful introduction to the tour would have gone much more smoothly. In Israel and Jordan, CTO handled our tour. In Egypt, the agency was Sylvia. I had expected to be part of a group that held together for the entire 17 days, but that wasn't the case. Groups formed and disbanded based on what individuals planned to visit. In Israel there were 11 of us, and we bonded quickly. In Jordan I was surprised that our group dwindled to five. And in Egypt there was only my wife and me. That left us vulnerable in Egypt to the care of our guide, who, because there was just the two of us, managed to fleece us of $150. I would never have signed up with TourRadar if I had understood that my wife and I would be left alone at one point without the safety of a group and unprepared to deal with a guide we didn't fully trust.

The tour part was fantastic and would recommend it for sure. Please drop the Sea Net from your list of Hotels. The rooms are ok but small. The real problem is with service and the meals. Not even a 1 star for breakfast. Bread out but no butter. No coffee just water and really watered down juice.

We explored parts of Israel and Jordan in early October 2023. The trip was coordinated by Tour Radar and Abraham Tours. We stayed at two Abraham Hostels on this tour ( one Tel Aviv and one in Jerusalem) as well as a Bedouin Camp in Jordan. The tours in Israel included Old CIty of Jaffa, Old Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea. All amazing sites to see. We travelled into Jordan on the three day tour and saw/explored Mount Nebo, Petra and Wadi Rum. I can honestly say that all of the tours we did were some of the best i have ever done. The history and the scenery was spectacular. The food that was included/served was a little repetitive at the various places, however was pretty good (nobody got sick) and it would appear that Abraham Tours had sourced some of the cleanest/nicer places to eat. I would certainly condsider booking with Tour Radar/Abraham Tours in the future.

• Family (215)
• Fully Guided (193)
• In-depth Cultural (178)
• Personalized (69)
• Coach / Bus (38)
• Active (35)
• Private (17)
• Custom (12)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (28)
• Budget (34)
• Luxury (12)
• Singles and Solo (174)
• For Couples (96)
• Seniors (121)
• 3 Day Tours (30)
• 7 Day Tours (29)
• 10 Day Tours (55)
• 2 Week Tours (49)
• 3 Week Tours (18)
• Spring 2024 (93)
• Summer 2024 (146)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (159)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (167)
• Spring 2025 (122)
• Summer 2025 (95)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (95)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (54)
• May 2024 (106)
• June 2024 (112)
• July 2024 (134)
• August 2024 (144)
• September 2024 (155)
• October 2024 (155)
• November 2024 (155)
• December 2024 (153)
• January 2025 (140)
• February 2025 (140)
• March 2025 (113)
• April 2025 (104)
• May 2025 (98)
• June 2025 (94)
• July 2025 (94)
• August 2025 (93)
• September 2025 (93)
• October 2025 (89)
• November 2025 (88)
• December 2025 (53)

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 888 680 1241

Israel and Jordan

42 Independent Reviews

Classic Group

Choose Your Group Size and the Dead Sea Option

Reserve with a deposit starting from $200

DATES & PRICING

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Choose when you want to travel

2 countries

Uncover the Desert Worlds of Israel & Jordan During a 15-Day Guided Tour

See modern marvels, ancient wonders and stunning scenery on this 15-day guided tour of Israel and Jordan. Travel to Tel Aviv, where you’ll see the Habima National Theater, one of the first Hebrew-language theaters. In Jerusalem, ride a cable car to Masada — a desert fortress atop a rock plateau — then ascend to the top of Mount Scopus for panoramic views of the city below. Later, visit a Holocaust museum and see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book. Buy a hand-crafted souvenir during a visit to the Iraq-Al Amir Women's Cooperative, which teaches local women trade skills. See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, an ancient city carved from the rose-hued stone of the surrounding mountains and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take a jeep safari into the desert of Wadi Rum, where you’ll join local Bedouins for tea and authentic Jordanian cuisine under the stars.

View Itinerary

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

MAP & ITINERARY

Start Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. End Amman, Jordan.

Download Itinerary

Print Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS

Choose to travel in a Classic or Small Group, and and why not extend to explore the Dead Sea?

Change view

Selected Version

Tours that average 33 guests and no more than 40.

With Dead Sea Classic Group

This tour version spends an additional two nights relaxing in the Dead Sea, and has a maximum of 40 guests.

Small Group

Tours that have no more than 24 guests.

With Dead Sea Small Group

This tour version spends an additional two nights relaxing in the Dead Sea, and has a maximum of 24 guests.

TRAVELING IN A GROUP OF 10+?

Customize this tour for a group >

Our specialists can design a bespoke itinerary for you. You'll experience the Insight Difference with a passionate Travel Director, all tailored to your group's personal interests. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNSECO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

SEARCH FOR ANOTHER TOUR

#insightvacations.

Discover Inspiring, Magical Moments Captured by Our Guests in Destinations Around the World

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

UK and Ireland

USA and Canada

Latin America

North Africa

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Country Roads

Domestic Escapes

Special Interest Tours

Get A Quote

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Best of Israel and Jordan

Enjoy beautiful Israel and Jordan

Select Your Group Type and Dead Sea Extension

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

13 Day Israel and Jordan Tour from Jerusalem to Petra

13 days, 2 countries and 15 cities

Accommodation

12 Breakfasts, 2 Be My Guests, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner

View day-by-day trip itinerary

From the Wailing Wall to the rose-red façades of Petra, this historical interlude with Israel and Jordan will see you visit the tomb of King David, the Mount of Beatitudes and the Dead Sea, before following in the footsteps of spice traders across desert landscapes.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

13 days itinerary trip from Tel Aviv to Amman visiting 2 countries and 15 cities Select Your Group Type and Dead Sea Extension

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

Choose to book a general tour or why not extend your tour to explore the Dead Sea?

Change view

Selected Version

With Dead Sea Extension

This tour includes two additional nights at the Dead Sea.

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Jerusalem and Amman with a Local Specialist

Visit the Fortress of Masada and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, Jesus Boat at the Sea of Galilee, the old Synagogue and the Mount of Beatitudes near Capernaum, the ancient Synagogue and artists' colony at Safed, the underground Crusader City of Acre, the Roman Amphitheater at Caesarea, the Greco-Roman city at Jerash, the unique ancient city at Petra, the Crusader Fortress at Shobak and Wadi Rum

View the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, the Baha'i Shrine from the summit of Mount Carmel in Haifa, the excavations of Solomon's Stables and the Roman Amphitheater, the aqueduct at Caesarea, the Roman Amphitheater and Citadel in Amman, Moses' Promised Land on Mount Nebo and the mosaic map of the Holy Land at Madaba

Scenic Cruise boat ride on the Sea of Galilee

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

#TTBestOfIsrael

Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL STYLES

ABOUT CONTIKI

GET INSPIRED

1 (866) 266 8454

Jordan and Israel Uncovered

Save your space with a deposit payment

REQUEST MORE INFO

DATES & PRICING

I’m planning to travel in

The one that uncovers the mystical ancient sites of Israel & Jordan

12 days, 2 countries

Accommodation

10 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Glamping Tent

11 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

Maximum 30 people

Expert Trip Manager + Local Guides

From the passionate bustle of Jerusalem to the rose-tinted Nabatean ruins of Petra and the sweeping beaches of the Red Sea, plus a stay in a traditional Kibbutz and a night under the stars in Wadi Rum, this is the trip that will excite your senses and transport you back to ancient times as you fall head over heels for the Middle East. Over 11 nights we’ll uncover Israel’s enigmatic energy and Jordan’s desert secrets, returning more enlightened than ever.

On the road to Net Zero

Find out more

Map & Itinerary

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL DAYS

Only $200 deposit to book

Pay over time, interest free

No booking fee, no change fee

24/7 support

Flexibility Promise

Your money is safe with us and the TTC Promise. Book today and enjoy the benefits of flexible travel dates and money guarantee. Contiki is part of the TTC Family. Learn more

FIND OUT MORE

Related Trips

This trip comes in different shapes and sizes. For more options, check out these itineraries.

Israel Uncovered

Jordan Uncovered

#jordan2israel.

Photos from our travellers

Other trips you might like

Egypt and the Nile

Best of Georgia

Moroccan Adventure

General faqs.

Your search for ""

What is Contiki?

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

Back To Top

About Contiki

six-two: Our Travel Magazine

Personal Security

Code of Conduct

Destinations

Request a Quote

Do not sell or share my personal information

Resources Hub

Download a Brochure

Join our Rep Program

Affiliates Hub

Brand Partnerships

Travel Insurance

Travel Updates

All trip prices are in   USD   $

Contiki is a proud part of TTC family of brands

© Copyright 2024 Contiki. All Rights Reserved. Contiki Holidays Limited, Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH, Reg No: 50681

Legal Stuff

Privacy & Cookie Policy

Booking Conditions

7 Day Israel Signature (trip)

7 day israel signature.

• Airport, Israel near Tel Aviv, Israel
• Active & Adventure

Add to My Trips

To check availability or book, contact Kensington Tours:

Period offered: Year-round . The provider ( view their profile ) can provide you with specific departure dates, final prices, and other information.

• Yes, mail me a brochure…
• Street address & country

Country code

Best time to call: Morning EST Afternoon EST

Share my saved trips Yes, let # see my saved trips for (but not my notes).

• Overview & testimonials
• Itinerary/details
• Share/email

Loading map, please wait...

Locations visited/nearby

Israel, Middle East

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, kensington tours :.

"Just wanted to thank you. We are back from Costa Rica and had a wonderful trip. Everything worked really well, on time and we had really good time. Also, I wanted to comment on your contacts in Costa Rica- they were very responsive, helped solve problems on the spot and it was very reassuring to have them there."

"For any single traveling woman - no fear! I, a single 61 year old female, traveled through Egypt & Jordan with absolutely no fear or concern for my safety. Not because I am brave but because there was no external cause for fear. The representatives who met me at the airports, the guides (especially Sam), and the drivers were all wonderful and very informative. The tour was first class and I would love to take another with Kinsington Tours and will recommend them to all my friends."

"We are back and we had a wonderful trip. Everything was perfectly organized, with the right balance between time with a guide and free time. We were very lucky with the weather, no rain at all except for a 20 minutes thunderstorm in Dalat. Halong Bay was very clear all the time although it is supposed to be foggy during the day. The Metropole was perfect, the best breakfasts ever, the boat, Jasmine, wonderful and we were only 14 people instead of 44…,the Palm Garden in Hoi An very nice, the Ana Mandara in Nha Trang, pure Heaven, the Sofitel in Dalat beautiful, almost empty and a very friendly staff."

Comments from Facebook

Special information.

• This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

0 members have bookmarked this trip

Be the first person to add this trip to My Trips

More information from Kensington Tours:

• View trip on provider's website www.kensingtontours.com/tours/egypt-and-middle-east/israel/is…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips
• Email this trip page to a friend

© TravelDragon 2010. All rights reserved.

• Contact/email
• Add/claim your trips

1-877-326-8245

1-877-838-2929.

KENSINGTON TOURS

"WE CREATE  the experience THAT CHANGES THE LIFE." - Kensington Tours

EGYPT & MIDDLE EAST

"Step into lands of mystery and intrigue on a customized guided tour—from exotic Egypt to intoxicating India, from historic Israel and Jordan to contemporary Oman and United Arab Emirates. For only with the personal care of a guide and driver, and expertly tailored itinerary, can you really experience this region’s treasures, treats and remarkable people. With your private guide, watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, turning the most beautiful testament to love into a dazzling display of light and reflection. Throughout the Middle East, savor chosen culinary delicacies displayed on a gleaming brass tray, followed by pots of mint tea amidst the echoes of calls to prayer. Explore Jordan’s wondrous ancient city of Petra—a “rose-red city half as old as time,” or discover fascinating Oman. At night, bed down in a Bedouin camp under a blanket of stars—or in a former palace. ‘Kidtastic’ tailor-made tours available too in Egypt and India! Let our experts create unforgettable memories, your way, on personalized tours of Egypt, India and the Middle East." - Kensington Tours

Featured Private Tours to Egypt & Middle East

EGYPT HIGHLIGHTS & NILE CRUISE

Egypt (Cairo, Nile)

Ride into the Egyptian sunset atop a camel, explore the Valley of the Kings with a knowledgeable guide, cruise down the Nile, see the Pyramids of Giza in person, and so much more on this exciting journey through the past.  Bestseller

Glide down the Nile on a cruise with regular stops for private excursions.

Explore the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and King Tut’s tomb.

Learn about the Pyramids of Giza with the help of an experienced private Egyptologist guide.

Ride across the dunes atop a camel or horse on a sunset trek.

Stay at a handpicked selection of premium accommodations.

9 Days  from  $3,366 pp*

PREMIUM CUSTOM TOUR

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SIGNATURE

Feel the 5,000 year legacy of the pharaohs as you explore the unique treasures of Egypt. Discover Cairo’s storied relics and enjoy a luxury cruise along the Nile on this exclusive tour.  Bestseller

Embark on a four-night Nile River cruise with private excursions.

Enjoy private guided tours of Old Cairo and Cairo by night.

With a private guide, discover the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Explore the Valley of the Kings and King Tut’s Tomb.

Featuring five-star hotels.

10 Days  from  $4,150 pp*

EGYPT GRAND EXCLUSIVE WITH HURGHADA

Egypt (Cairo, Aswan, Nile, Luxor, Hurghada)

Enjoy a lavish Oberoi Nile cruise and stay at elite Oberoi hotels as you explore Cairo, Luxor and the sparkling Red Sea. This is our most exclusive and far-reaching Egypt experience.

Explore the Pyramids of Giza with a private Egyptologist guide.

Venture down the Nile aboard the exclusive Oberoi Zahra river cruiser.

Tour important archaeological sites like the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor, and Dandarah.

Swim and snorkel around Red Sea reefs during a stay at the palatial Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.

Stay at a handpicked selection of luxury accommodations.

14 Days  from  $9,338 pp*

LUXURY CUSTOM TOUR

ISRAEL SIGNATURE

Israel (Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Eilat)

Experience the modern style of Tel Aviv, the holy secrets of Tiberias, the sacred shrines of Jerusalem, and the blissful beaches of Eilat on this in-depth exploration of Israel. Visit sites sacred to Jews and Christians, float in the Dead Sea, stroll around historic Acre with a private guide, and more.

Discover Tel Aviv's unique architecture on a private city tour.

Retrace Jesus' steps in Tiberias and Jerusalem's Old City.

Visit the Western Wall, Yad Vashem, Masada, and other important Jewish heritage sites.

Cross the border and spend a day exploring Petra, Jordan's amazing rock-cut city.

12 Days  from  $9,468 pp*

ISRAEL HIGHLIGHTS

Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv)

Experience the historical sites and modern wonders of Israel's two major cities on a private highlight-filled tour of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Visit the Western Wall, Masada, and the Dead Sea, explore Tel Aviv’s unique architecture and art, and so much more.  Bestseller

Explore the historic and sacred sites of Jerusalem's Old City, including the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Pay your respects on a solemn visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

Escape the UNESCO-protected site of Masada and the shores of the Dead Sea.

Discover the treasures of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Israel Museum, and the historic port of Jaffa.

7 Days  from  $5,075 pp*

JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR

Israel (Tel Aviv, Galilee, Jerusalem)

Walk through history on an incredible journey through the Holy Land. Explore sacred sites in the Galilee region from a kibbutz, tour Nazareth and Jerusalem with a private guide, gaze out over Haifa from the top of Mount Carmel, visit the ruins of Masada, and much more.  Bestseller

Witness some of Judaism’s holiest sites on guided tours through Nazareth and Safed.

Stay at a kibbutz amid the rolling hills of the Galilee region.

Explore the landmarks of Old Jerusalem, visit the Western Wall, and take in the incredible light show at the Tower of David.

Journey to the legendary fortress of Masada on the edge of the Dead Sea.

8 Days  from  $6,616 pp*

ISRAEL & JORDAN HIGHLIGHTS

Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem), Jordan (Dead Sea, Petra)

Discover Israel, home to many of the world's most historically important biblical and Judaic sites, followed by Jordan, home of the ancient stone-carved city of Petra - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.  Bestseller

Retrace the origins of Judaism and Christianity in Jerusalem.

Gaze over the desert at the ancient rock fortress of Masada.

Explore the towering cliffs of weathered stone at Wadi Rum.

Private guided tour of the ancient rock-cut city of Petra.

Featuring expertly selected premium hotels.

9 Days  from  $7,002 pp*

EGYPT, JORDAN & ISRAEL IN STYLE

Israel (Cairo, Luxor), Jordan (Amman, Petra), Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem)

Travel through time on this luxurious journey across Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor, marvel at Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan, visit the ancient fortress of Masada and float in the Dead Sea, and explore the wonders of Jerusalem with private guides. 

Go back in time to the age of the pharaohs on private tours of the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor’s temples.

Stand in awe of Petra, Jordan’s immaculate rock-cut city.

Explore the holy sites of three major religions in Jerusalem.

Visit the ancient fortress of Masada, float in the Dead Sea, and visit sacred Bethlehem.

14 Days  from  $10,262 pp*

DUBAI & EGYPT HIGHLIGHTS

U.A.E. (Dubai), Egypt (Cairo, Nile)

Venture from awe-inspiring hyper-modern structures to timeless and mystifying ancient wonders, discovering the Arabian sun, and the highlights of Dubai and Egypt with a private guide.  New!  Bestseller

Discover pyramids, mummies, and more with a private, professional Egyptologist.

Take high tea in Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab, the world's only 6-star hotel.

Multi-night cruise on the Nile, with private guided shore excursions.

Dine in the desert as part of an evening Jeep safari from Dubai.

Premium accommodations as recommended by regional specialist.

13 Days  from  $6,721 pp*

JORDAN SIGNATURE

Jordan (Amman, Petra, Dead Sea)

Float in the Dead Sea, and bask in the monumental glory of the ancient, rock-carved city of Petra, as you journey through the signature sites of the Arab kingdom of Jordan.  New! 

Float in the Dead Sea.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra, with private guide.

With private guide, discover the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum.

Ascend Mount Nebo for captivating views over the Jordan Valley.

Selection of 5* accommodations as suggested by regional specialist.

7 Days  from  $2,660 pp*

EGYPT & JORDAN EXCLUSIVE

Egypt (Cairo, Nile), Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum)

Discover the wonders of Ancient Egypt with all of the luxurious benefits of the modern age. Meet the Sphinx and explore the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, cruise down the Nile in five-star comfort, visit the Valley of the Kings with an Egyptologist guide, marvel at magical Petra in Jordan, and so much more.  Bestseller

Explore the Pyramids of Giza on a full-day tour with an expert private guide.

Trek into the dunes around Cairo at sunset on the back of a camel.

Take a private tour of Petra, Jordan’s impeccable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Discover the magical oasis of Wadi Rum on a privately guided desert trek.

12 Days from $7,500 pp*

OMAN & U.A.E. EXPLORER

Oman (Muscat), U.A.E. (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)

Delve into the natural and man-made wonders of the Arabian Peninsula on this journey through Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Visit dunes and wadis by private 4x4, sail the unique islands of Dubai’s harbor, see opulent mosques and landmark hotels, and more.  New!  Bestseller

Explore the forts and palaces of Muscat, the Omani capital.

Visit stunning desert landscapes and refreshing wadis by private 4x4.

Take in a falconry demonstration from a hot-air balloon 4,000 feet above the desert floor.

Wander traditional souks and glitzy shopping malls in search of gold and more.

Stay in a handpicked selection of premium accommodations.

9 Days Request Info*

EMERATI HIGHLIGHTS

U.A.E. (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

Step into the futuristic cityscapes and wall-to-wall extravagance of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Tour the enormous Burj Khalifa skyscraper, take a deluxe desert safari on a conservation reserve, explore one of the world’s largest mosques and more.  New!  Bestseller

Take a tour of the Burj Khalifa and cruise Dubai’s harbor on an amazing dinner cruise.

Wander the souks of Bastakia, one of Dubai’s oldest neighborhoods, with a private guide.

Head into the desert on a luxury desert safari, complete with six-course meal.

Explore the sights of Abu Dhabi, including the enormous Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

7 Days from $4,585 pp*

U.A.E. SIGNATURE

U.A.E. (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah)

Gape at the science-fiction architecture and savor the extravagant delights of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman. Discover massive mosques, bustling souks, and futuristic buildings from the ground and the air, take a luxury desert safari, and much, much more.  New! 

Embark on private, full-day tours of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s sparkling cities.

Head out on a luxury desert safari en route to a six-course dinner at an exclusive reserve.

Get the best view of Dubai on a private flightseeing tour of its architectural marvels.

Board a traditional dhow boat and cruise Omani coast along the Musandam Peninsula.

Stay in a handpicked selection of luxury accommodations.

8 Days from $8,576 pp*

GOURMET DUBAI

U.A.E. (Dubai)

Dine high above the clouds in the world's tallest building, indulge in high tea at the Burj Al Arab and tantalize your senses in luxurious accommodations that define Dubai’s opulence.  New! 

Sample exclusive fine dining options.

Learn how to roll sushi like an expert.

Enjoy a spectacular dinner on a private yacht.

Private guided city tours of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Featuring the luxurious and exclusive 6-star Burj Al Arab hotel.

5 Days from $9,195 pp*

“  I wanted to express my sincere thanks for the trip of a lifetime to India. We saw so many attractions on our short journey. The entire tour went without a hitch.  ” - Ann S.

Call  1-877-838-2929 

Popular African Safaris & Tours

Botswana Safaris

Kenya Safaris Madagascar Safaris

Morocco Tours Mozambique Tours

Namibia Safaris

Rwanda Safaris Uganda Trekking Seychelles Tours

South Africa Safaris

Tanzania Safaris Zambia Safaris Zimbabwe Safaris

Popular  Australia & Pacific Tours

Australia Tours

French Polynesia Tours

Bora Bora Tours New Zealand Tours

Popular Egypt & Middle East Tours

Egypt Tours

Israel Tours

Jordan Tours Oman Tours U.A.E Tours

Popular South America

Argentina Tours

Brazil Tours Chile Tours Columbia Tours

Ecuador Tours Galapagos Cruises Galapagos Tours Patagonia Tours

Peru Tours Uruguay Tours

Popular Asia Tours

Cambodia Tours China Tours

India Tours Indonesia Tours

Japan Tours Malaysia Tours Mongolia Tours

Myanmar Tours Nepal Tours Philippines Tours Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka

Thailand Tours Vietnam

Popular Eastern Europe Tours

Croatia Tours

Germany Tours

Greece Tours

Iceland Tours

Norway Tours

Russia Tours

Scandinavia Tours

Popular Western Europe Tours

England Tours

France Tours

Ireland Tours

Italy Tours

Portugal Tours

Scotland Tours

Spain Tours

Popular Central America Tours

Belize Tours

Costa Rica Tours

Guatemala Tours

Mexico Tours

Panama Tours

Holy ground to three of the world’s major religions, politics and faith infuse virtually every facet of daily life in Israel. While it is impossible to separate Israel’s historical and cultural importance from these all-powerful forces, the country’s abundant natural beauty should not be overlooked: Galilee is an oasis of lush valleys amid a sea of sand; Tel Aviv’s sparkling beaches rank among the world’s best, and the Dead Sea’s serene shores are unlike anywhere else on Earth. A wealth of artistic and architectural treasures, influenced by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian culture, dot the landscape from Nazareth to Eilat and all points in between. Yes, religion is central to the Holy Land’s allure, but it’s what that devotion has inspired that truly captivates travelers.

Emergency Banner Component

UPDATE ON ISRAEL CRISIS

Israel – Jordan

Discover a rich diversity of cultures and faiths in lands that shaped history, exploring centuries-old cities, towns, antiquities, stories and traditions.

• ITINERARIES

Welcome to Israel & Jordan

In these neighboring Middle Eastern nations where the cornerstones of three of the world's major faiths converge, you'll immerse in thousands of years of history and culture at the traditional center of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In Jerusalem, discover the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and much more. Explore Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the fortress of Masada. In Jordan, attend a traditional Bedouin feast (complete with sword dance) in the desert, explore the ancient "lost" red-rock city of Petra, and discover the secrets of the Dead Sea.

Jerusalem's tower of david, the tower of david in the heart of old jerusalem.

What is today called the Tower of David (a.k.a. the Jerusalem Citadel) at the Old City walls stands on the site of fortifications that date back to the time of King Herod, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. First called the "Tower of David" (mistakenly) by the Byzantines, the structure we see today was mostly built by Muslim sultans between the 14th and 16th centuries; the 17th-century minaret is what many now refer to as the Tower itself.

Ancient Petra

The ancient nabataean city of petra in jordan.

The ancient pink city of Petra in modern-day Jordan was carved out of rose-colored sandstone cliffs by its Nabataean builders perhaps as far back as the 4th century BCE, and abandoned sometime during the early Islamic era. Much of it remained hidden in the mountains and desert sands for thousands of years before its "discovery" by western explorers in the early 19th century. Today, its stunning temples, tombs and other key features like Al Khazneh (The Treasury) are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jordan's most popular historic attraction, which you'll explore on foot and by horse cart.

Dome of the Rock

A sacred place in old jerusalem – the dome of the rock.

Sheltering one of the holiest spots on Earth for three of the world's great religions, the Dome of the Rock is a 7th-century Islamic shrine built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City. Its golden dome shelters the rock from which Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven in his Night Journey. For Jews, it covers the holiest spot on Earth, the Foundation Stone of Solomon's inner temple, which contained the Ark of the Covenant; also considered by many as the site of God's creation of the world and of Abraham's attempted sacrifice of his son, it is of great importance to Jews and Christians as well.

Journey Collection

Experience Israel – Jordan

Search Again

{{ title }}

{{shortDescription}}

{{longDescription}}

{{priceFrom}}

From Price, Per Person

Price shown is the lowest price per person, double, on most journeys.

No Tours Match Your Room Configuration

Itinerary Related Content

Take a look below for other tours

Please enter a valid search term

No results found for “ ”.

Make sure your words are spelled correctly or use less or different words.

We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. Try broadening your search by choosing a different year or month.

The keyword's results do not contain the selected date. Please reset the date filter or choose a different date.

Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

Travel Experiences that are as memorable as the places...

Leave Your Worries At Home

Tauck takes on all of details of travel – all of the planning, all of the logistics...

One Upfront Price

Get what you pay for and then some; no hidden costs, no options sold...

Travel In Good Company

Our Tauck Directors are the best in the industry, making every moment of your journey count...

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Travel Protection
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

Suggested companies

Audley travel, firebird tours, jacada travel.

Kensington Tours   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

1,390 total

Most relevant

Golden Triangle of India

We did the Golden Triangle Tour of India. This was our fifth vacation arranged by Kensington and was simply the best. The sites, guides, tours, hotel accommodations, and pre trip logistics were outstanding. I highly recommend Kensington Tours.

Date of experience : April 19, 2024

Outstanding Bolivia Trip

Stephany at Kensington Tours helped us plan a flawless 10 day trip to visit the highlights of Bolivia. She connected us with a local tour company that had fantastic, English speaking guides who made our visit authentic and special for us. La Paz area guide Grace was so knowledgable about all the local history, culture, and must see attractions, but also very personable (and FUNNY) Our main driver Wilson shared so much valuable information as well. We were blown away by our visit to the Uyuni Salt flats with Miguel and Jesus---they showed us all their favorite places. Pablo led us on an amazing day hike near Huayna Potosi. The hotels and restaurants chosen for us were all fabulous . They have unique opportunities no other lock tour companies offer(They also planned a wonderful trip to Morocco for us in 2019)

Date of experience : April 09, 2024

Amazing Tanzania Experience!! Timba-Best Safari Guide!

We enjoyed 17 amazing days in Tanzania, immersing ourselves in the culture and getting to meet many beautiful people that call Tanzania home! Kensington tours did a great job with all of our travel arrangements-our entire trip went very smoothly! Much of this was due to our incredible driver and Safari Guide Timba (Elisha). Timba was simply the BEST and we enjoyed every minute with him-we were with him for the first 11 days of this incredible trip until we headed to Zanzibar. Timba was very fun and interactive but also very professional, knowledgeable and dependable and we felt incredibly safe traveling with Timba. Our safari vehicle was always spotless and Timba showed up early every day for our pick up time. Timba found ALL of the animals for us-it was a dream come true and truly a trip of a life time and we owe it all to Timba! If you are booking a Safari with Kensington Tours do yourself a favor and request Timba (Elisha) as your safari guide-he will provide you with an incredible experience! We highly recommend Kensington Tours and Timba-it was the perfect combination for an AMAZING trip of a lifetime! THANK YOU TIMBA for all of the Fun and Memories! Can't wait to travel with you again someday!

Date of experience : February 07, 2024

Communication is Key

Having an organization that communicates well not only with us but also with each other makes all the difference. I had to talk to several different people at Kensington during our trip and everyone seemed to be aware of everything that was going on. Minor things that could have mushroomed into a disaster were resolved quickly and dealt with professionally. A great team effort! Thank you!

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

Reply from Kensington Tours

Dear Robin, Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. We strive to provide consistency throughout our growing organization, and are so glad you experienced that. Travel always comes with unexpected instances, and we are thrilled our teams were there for support right away. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Egypt,never visit alone without proper guides.

Jovita Jarrell from Hyssop travel made our itinerary for Egypt thru Kensington tours as per our custom dates due to our daughter school schedule.We were really happy we did arrange it well.Egypt is not a country to be visited without proper and knowledgeable guides. Tourist traps are in every inch of Egypt.All the guides thru Kensington tours were excellent and saved us from getting into trouble with the hawkers.Every tour attendant from the airport or the drivers in Cairo,Aswan,Luxor or Hurghada were great.Always on time.Even on cruise St Sonesta attendants were great.There are too many to name.Bottom line is this,according to the guides Kensington and one other tour company are the most respected in Egypt.Better to be prepared when you go to this historically rich but economically very poor country. Thanks again to Joivita Jarrell to make out trip great.

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

Dear Harpreet, We thank you for taking the time to post your review for your trip with Kensington Tours to Egypt. We are so glad to read that our guides and drivers were particularly helpful in avoiding tourist traps throughout your trip. It makes a huge difference to the experience, especially in places far from home. We hope to be able to assist you on your next trip someday. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

John Dawson

The agent assigned to my vacation was friendly, helpful, and efficient. There were no package tours that travelled to the various spots where I wanted to go in South America. He put together a wonderful custom itinerary, and took into consideration all my preferences along the way. This was truly a job well done! Thank you, John, and thank you Kensington!

Date of experience : February 24, 2024

Dear John, We thank you for your great review for John Dawson and Kensington Tours. We love to be able to customize itineraries for our clients' exciting ideas and wishes. Hope to see you again soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Egypt = Trip of Lifetime!

We are so beyond grateful that we chose to work with Kensington Tours on our recent family trip to Egypt. This is a destination where you need to have seamless arrangements in advance and Kensington absolutely delivered! We worked with travel expert, Moe S. to make all of our trip arrangements for Egypt and without any hesitation, we highly recommend him for planning any of your travel needs. Moe was extremely knowledgeable, prompt in answering any questions and providing any helpful information prior to traveling to Egypt. The hotels we stayed at were great and our Nile Cruise was outstanding, as well! Our airport handlers, drivers and city guides were all exceptional and our entire family enjoyed their knowledge, humor and professionalism.

Date of experience : March 30, 2024

Dear Christine, Thank you for your wonderful review. It is great to read about Moe's services for you and your family, as we aim to deliver a totally seamless experience for whatever it is you and your family look for in travel. We are so happy you enjoyed all of the people and places on your trip. Hopefully we can work with you again soon for another family adventure! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

A Trip of a Lifetime

My wife and 3 of my adult children just got back from a 12 day tour through Japan. Our travel agent recommended Kensington and that was the best recommendation she could ever have given us. Loann was fantastic and she organized a trip itinerary that we fell in love with. It gave us a true taste of Japan without running us into the ground. All of the guides on the ground in Japan were fantastic. They were enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. All the sites and excursions were that we saw were simply breathtaking. We wouldn’t have changed one thing that Kensington provided for us. Thank you so much for making this trip an unforgettable experience of a lifetime!

Dear Rob, Thank you for taking the time to write your review for Kensington Tours. We are excited to read that your experiences in Japan were breathtaking and authentic. We aim to find the true taste of all destinations we work in. We hope to be able to provide you with our services in a future trip for you and your family! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

We have used Kensington Tours twice…

We have used Kensington Tours twice now, once for Iceland and more recently Paris. I can’t say enough good things about both experiences. Each trip was expertly catered to our interests and they do an amazing job vetting the private guides…above and beyond expectations both times and we will be sure to use Kensington Tours again !

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

Dear Laura, We thank you so much for your lovely review. We do take pride in our partnerships with local guides and experts. It is so great to read your experience was well catered to your needs. We can't wait to host you on your next journey! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

This is the 4th time we have used the…

This is the 4th time we have used the services of Kensington Tours. They have very knowledgeable people with any country you may be interested in visiting and will then customize an experience for you based on your interests and budget. Also you have a 24 hour contact wherever you are if you encounter any issues or have any questions. All tour guides were very professional and personable which created a very memorable and enjoyable experience.

Date of experience : February 19, 2024

Dear Glenn, We thank you so much for being a loyal repeating client at Kensington Tours! We are glad to read about your experience with us in all areas such as budget, itinerary and support. Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. We look forward to working with you soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Kensington & Aileen always do an amazing job!

Kensington always does an amazing job! They are so specialized in the destination, you always feel in great hands. Aileen was a miracle worker, and we managed to put together a wonderful, last-minute trip to Norway, for my clients. I know they'll have the best time, and there will be lots of personal Kensington touches, they can look forward to! Thank you!!

Date of experience : April 17, 2024

Dear cmachotka, We are thrilled to read that your clients received our personal, customized service for an epic journey ahead. We really cherish our relationships with Travel Agents, and we look forward to working with you again in the future. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Personal Heritage Journey to Okinawa

This was a joint venture between Kensington Tours and Ancestry.com, and the main purpose was to visit my grandparents' ancestral villages in Okinawa and potentially meet distant relatives. I had high expectations going into the trip, and my expectations were exceeded. Everyone involved, from Jeremy (Kensington), Kyle (Ancestry), Yuzo (genealogist), Suiko (guide), the drivers, etc., all worked to ensure this was a trip of a lifetime. The hotel (Double Tree by Hilton, Naha) was also in a great location. I give the Personal Heritage Journeys program my highest recommendation.

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Dear Jon, We are so happy to read your review. It is wonderful to know Jeremy was such a big part of exceeding your expectations for your ancestry trip. As well as all parties involved that made your experience special. Thank you for taking the time to write your review, and ultimately, your praise and recommendation. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Anit Singh and Kensington do an…

Anit Singh and Kensington do an outstanding job! This was our second trip with Kensington, and if you wish to travel in comfort and security and have a great adventure, this is the best company to use. Many thanks for all your effort Anit!

Date of experience : January 17, 2024

Dear Eric, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about Anit's outstanding work for your second trip with us. We really appreciate your kind recommendation. Looking forward to hearing from you again soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Working with Caroline Flarty is a Joy

Working with Caroline Flarty is a Joy Caroline helped me with a family trip to Paris, Annecy & Chamonix and it was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and redirected this family to alternative areas when their desired locations were not seasonal. They LOVED their trip and their daughter got to celebrate her sweet 16 in the most magical way. I can't say enough about her thorough communication style and look forward to working with her again. She is the best.

Dear Laura, Thank you for your kind words for Caroline. We are so happy to read about how integral she was to your family's experience in France. We hope to host you for other memorable family trips in the future! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Vietnam and China Two Week Trip

Vietnam and China Two Week Trip: Kevin Smith of Kensington Travel did an excellent job of setting up a fantastic itinerary and making sure we were supported every step of the way. Trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Dear C Busbee, Thank you so much for your review. We are so happy to read about your great experience with us and Kevin. We hope to host you on your next trip of a lifetime! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Costa Rica - Great trip and Kensington great tour

Camila Rico did a great job in planning our trip to Costa Rica. She listened to what we wanted and planned the trip around our interests and lifestyle. We spent 4 nights at The Springs Resort in Arenal. The staff at the hotel were outstanding, remembering our names, and always friendly. Our guide for 3 days was Diego Ramirez. He was knowledgeable, prompt and took us to some out of the way places. Guillermo Vargas was our guide and Waddy was our driver in Monteverde. We stayed at the Senda Monteverde. The rooms are comfortable and updated. Here too the staff were great, helpful, and friendly. Our last 3 nights were at the Arenas del Mar. This is a must visit hotel. The rooms overlook the ocean, the staff, like at all the other hotels, was outstanding. Very friendly and caring. We had a guide to Manuel Antonio Park one day. Camila booked us a catamaran ride with Planet Dolphin cruises. This was a fun morning relaxing, eating, and drinking on the catamaran. I would recommend Kensington Tours and Camila Rico for Costa Rica

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Dear Barbara, Thank you for taking the time to write your review for Camila and Kensington Tours. It is what we hope for our clients to receive a personalized and customized experience for their desires. We also love to read that our local partners provided the service we know them for, and all other great service provided to you in destination. We thank you so much for your recommendation, and we look forward to your next trip! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Customized & Help for Us

Really enjoyed how the experience was customized for our needs and wish list. Securing the right show tickets, helping with city/museum tours, and restaurant experiences. The price was competitive with a large high end group tour but just for us. Every trip there will be an issue. What was impressive was the help on the other end of the phone to make sure we had the right flight, insurance or last minute tour change. Our family was a teen (new to overseas travel) with 2 adults (its been 20+ years)

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Dear Sandra, Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review. We are elated to read how you found our services to be customizable to what you and your family needed. It is also great to hear you received assistance smoothly through our 24/7 phone line. We hope to work with you again one day on another special family vacation! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Great trip to Port Douglas thanks to Emma with Kensington Tours

Emma our tour planner was able to quickly put together a package trip to Cairns / Port Douglas which worked perfectly for our last week in Australia. We stayed in a darling boutique hotel, had prompt/fun drivers and knowledgeable tour guides who made our trip a success. Thank you Emma and Kensington Tours!

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Hello Corina, Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you had a great trip to Port Douglas with Kensington Tours and Emma as your Destination Expert. Your kind words mean a lot to us, we'll be sure to share this Emma and the rest of the team. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure with us in the future! - The Team at Kensington Tours

The easiest way to travel!

We have used Kensington Tours in Morocco, Portugal and Angkor Wat/Bangkok. We cannot praise our experience with Kensington enough. They are thorough in the planning, keep you informed during the planning process and the experience is flawless. We have enjoyed each experience thoroughly.

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Dear Barb, Thank you so much for your review. We are so pleased to read about your experiences traveling with us. We can't wait to host you again soon! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

If I could give a zero I would

If I could give a zero I would. Very over priced, ( $500 more for airline tickets) no communication,( takes days to get an answer) no confirmation of tours. Nothing is ever their fault. We have answers back from the hotel immediately. They claim no one answers The calls. I finally had to forget Kensington and book it all myself.

Dear Claudia, Thank you for expressing your concerns in your review. Our sincere apologies go out to you for the mistakes you have found during your experience. Our sales directors are in touch with you and your Travel Agent to hopefully assist however we can. We look forward to being in touch with you when you return home, to hear more about your experience and hopefully come to a fair resolution for you. We take your feedback very seriously. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

• [email protected]
• 618-344-NEMO(6366)

• Hotels and Resorts
• Disney World Restaurants
• Dining Plans
• Park Tickets
• Special Offers
• Private VIP Tours
• Disney Genie Service
• Four Seasons Orlando
• Disneyland® Resort
• The Disney Magic®
• The Disney Wonder®
• The Disney Dream®
• The Disney Fantasy®
• Disney Wish®
• Disney’s Castaway Cay
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Adventures by Disney
• Sea World Parks & Entertainment
• Sandals All Inclusives
• Beaches All Inclusives
• Funjet Vacations
• Hyatt Inclusive Collection
• 15th Anniversary Group Cruise
• AmaWaterways (River Cruising)
• Norwegian Cruise Line®
• Princess Cruises®
• Royal Caribbean®

Kensington Tours

• National Geographic Expeditions
• Guided Group Tours
• Group Travel
• Orlando Conference Group Vacation
• Sail with Us! 15th Anniversary Group Cruise
• Podcast-Take the Trip with Us
• Join Our Team
• Testimonials
• Refer a Friend

TAILOR-MADE PRIVATE TOURS

See the world, differently..

Kensington Tours offers personalized trips that are completely based on your preferences. This means no two trips are the same! Having expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means Kensington Tours take on all the complexities and logistics of your trip, so you can simply enjoy. Your Wish Upon a Star with Us Vacation Planner will work hand-in-hand with one of Kensington Tours Destination Experts to plan a trip that  exceeds your expectations.

Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, Wish Upon a Star with Us and Kensington Tours make it happen. Your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling, so let’s start planning!

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE WITH KENSINGTON TOURS:

Personalized journeys.

Do what you want, when you want – with the freedom to change your plans on the fly

expert planning

Planned with the help of expert destination specialists, fully tailored to your preferences

private guides

Find hidden gems and gain insider information only a local, private guide can offer

unbeatable support

Your trip includes 24/7 support and live updates via the Kensington Tours app

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF YOUR DESTINATION

Destination Experts

You and your Wish Upon a Star with Us Vacation Planner work hand-in-hand with a Kensington Tours Destination Expert to plan every detail of your trip. Destination Experts have deep, local knowledge – having lived, worked or traveled extensively in their region of specialty. Kensington Tours regularly vets each and every activity, accommodation and experience to help you discover the best of your destination!

Unlock Local Secrets

Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with a local, English-speaking, private guide by your side! Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems throughout your journey. You can also enhance your tour experience by opting for a excursion with a local expert – from historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes.

FLEXIBLE AND TAILOR-MADE FOR YOU

No Fixed Dates or Schedules

Explore on your own terms with your own private, local guide. With no set departure dates, you can customize your travel dates to whenever you choose.

Tailor-Made for You

Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.

The Freedom of Flexibility

Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want. You have the option to change your plans on the fly – even while you are in-destination.

Accommodating Your Every Need

Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.

DESTINATIONS

Kensington tours has expertise in over 100 countries here are some of the most popular destinations:, have somewhere else in mind talk to your wish upon a star with us vacation planner to discuss additional destinations offered. can’t decide where to go we can help with that too.

Antarctica Arctic Argentina Asia River Cruise Australia Austria Chile China Costa Rica Croatia Czech Republic Egypt England Europe River Cruise France Galapagos Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Hawaii Iceland India Indonesia Ireland

Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kenya Maldives Mediterranean Cruise Morocco New Zealand Norway Peru Poland Portugal Scotland Sicily South Africa Spain Switzerland Tanzania Thailand The Bahamas Turkey U.A.E. Vietnam

Antarctica Arctic Argentina Asia River Cruise Australia Austria Chile China Costa Rica Croatia Czech Republic Egypt England Europe River Cruise France Galapagos Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Hawaii Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kenya Maldives Mediterranean Cruise Morocco New Zealand Norway Peru Poland Portugal Scotland Sicily South Africa Spain Switzerland Tanzania Thailand The Bahamas Turkey U.A.E. Vietnam

TRAVEL STYLES

Find Your Travel Style

Finding the travel style that is right for you is an essential part of designing the perfect tailor-made tour. To ignite your imagination and highlight exciting experiences you may not have considered, you can choose from a variety of travel styles as a starting point.

Then, with the help of our Kensington Tour Destination Expert, we’ll combine your style with the perfect destination, a tailored mix of activities and experiences and a pace that is just right for you.

Travel Styles:

Family Collection Epicurean Collection Safari Private Retreats

Voyages by Kensington Tours Personal Heritage Journeys Private Yacht Charters Resort Collection

Epic Drives Discovery Premier Luxe

Family Collection Epicurean Collection Safari Private Retreats Voyages by Kensington Tours Personal Heritage Journeys Private Yacht Charters Resort Collection Epic Drives Discovery Premier Luxe

Ready to start planning?

Your Wish Upon a Star with Us Vacation Planner can provide you with sample itineraries and pricing to help you create your vision and highlight experiences you may not have thought of. We’ll then work with a Kensington Tours Destination Expert to customize your trip completely to your preferences!

Don’t have a Wish Upon a Star with Us Vacation Planner yet? Click the button below to fill out a contact form and be matched up with one of our Travel Professionals.

• Egypt Tourism
• Egypt Hotels
• Egypt Bed and Breakfast
• Egypt Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Egypt
• Egypt Restaurants
• Things to Do in Egypt
• Egypt Travel Forum
• Egypt Photos
• All Egypt Hotels
• Egypt Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Egypt
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Kensington Tours Egypt & Jordan - Egypt Forum

• Africa    
• Egypt    

Kensington Tours Egypt & Jordan

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Africa forums
• Egypt forum

My North American contact, Christine, offered great suggestions and happily customized a package that met all my wants and budget.

I was met at all the airports by a city or country representative or in turn introduced me to my guide and driver. Mohamed Abd El Moneim, the Cairo bureau chief at Mena Tours, was fantastic to work with. While in Egypt he set me up with the best drivers and tour guides. They were all college educated Egyptologists and spoke fluent English. But, just as important to me as a solo traveler they were fun to travel with!

My guide of Upper Egypt, Mohamed Saad, was excellent. He was my guide during my 4 nights on the Sonesta Nile Goddess. The Sonesta Nile Goddess is the best boat on the Nile. The crew was kind, attentive, but not intrusive. Incredibly well trained. The food was awesome, and the evening's entertainment was excellent. We cruised during the late afternoons and evenings and docked during the day. Saad was so eloquent and passionate about Egypt. It was a pleasure learning about all the Pharaohs, gods and goddesses.

The bureau chief in Jordan met me at the airport, and introduced me to Ehab,my driver for the next 4 days. Ehab drove me the 3 hours to and from Petra. He was an excellent driver and patiently answered all my questions about Jordan, and Middle Eastern culture.

Ali Al-Masadeh, my tour guide in Petra, was amazing. Ali was born and raised in the area, and knew all the best photo opps, and beside being a walking encyclopedia of Petra, he was a fantastic photographer.

As a single, female traveler I felt secure, safe, and welcomed everywhere I went.

Overall, I can not say enough good things about Kensington Tours, Mena Travel, my cruise on the Nile, Jordan and Petra, and all the wonderful people I met on my trip.

I recommend Kensington Travel 110%!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Hotel Choice 2:42 am
• Beware when Shopping at the Al-Attar Spice Store in Aswan! 9:39 pm
• Queen Nefertari Tomb 7:14 pm
• tipping in USD or EGP 2024 4:49 pm
• Mood in Dahab? yesterday
• Visiting Luxor? Check out Animal Care Egypt (ACE) yesterday
• Hurghada airport fast track yesterday
• December trip to Dahab - itinerary ideas? yesterday
• Exoticca trip yesterday
• Will we need a transit visa? yesterday
• Mangos december? May 10, 2024
• Egyptair transit desk at Cairo Airport ? May 10, 2024
• Fastest mobile internet May 10, 2024
• Cairo to Luxor by sleeper train May 10, 2024
• Best places to visit 22 replies
• What To Buy In Egypt? (not the usual souvenirs) 2 replies
• Do we need jabs for egypt 10 replies
• Safe to Travel to Egypt January 2013 49 replies
• Abercrombie and Kent Tours-Advice Please 11 replies
• Nile Cruise/MS Serenade 3 replies
• Beautiful, sandy beaches near (ish) to Cairo. Where? 11 replies
• Best beaches in Egypt 7 replies
• Egypt Air Baggage Limits 6 replies
• Price of beer & wine 9 replies
• Welcome to the Egypt Forum
• *** The HELP Centre***
• Boat Reviews
• Cruises - General Info.
• DIY Tripreports 2022
• DIY Travel Reports 2023
• Drones into Egypt - If you must
• Entrance Fees 2020 - NOTE - MOST have been increased!!!
• Public Transport links
• Restricted Mobility Travel
• Sound & Light shows

Middle East Crisis Hamas Resists Israel’s Latest Cease-Fire Offer

• Share full article

• Israeli military vehicles on the border with Gaza. Atef Safadi/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Demonstrators in Tel Aviv demanding the return of hostages on the day that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and President Isaac Herzog of Israel were meeting. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• Displaced Palestinians next to a placard thanking pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses in the United States. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• A funeral for an Israeli soldier in Ashdod, Israel. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
• Walking past the rubble of a destroyed building in Rafah, Gaza, on Tuesday. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Follow live news updates on the crisis in the Middle East .

Hamas says its position is ‘negative’ on Israel’s offer but signals willingness to keep talking.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Wednesday that Hamas leaders could save Palestinian lives by accepting a proposed deal under which they would free 33 hostages in exchange for a six-week cease-fire and the liberation of many Palestinian prisoners.

“We are determined to get a cease-fire that brings the hostages home and to get it now, and the only reason that that wouldn’t be achieved is because of Hamas,” Mr. Blinken said at the start of a meeting in Tel Aviv with Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel. “There is a proposal on the table, and as we’ve said, no delays, no excuses. The time is now, and the time is now long past due to bring the hostages home to their families.”

But on Wednesday night, a spokesman for Hamas, Osama Hamdan, said in an interview on Lebanese television, “Our position on the current negotiating paper is negative.”

The Hamas press office later clarified Mr. Hamdan’s comments, saying that while Hamas’s leaders would not accept the current Israeli proposals without changes, they were willing to keep negotiating. “The negative position does not mean negotiations have stopped,” the press office said. “There is a back and forth issue.”

Mr. Blinken’s comments were part of a concerted campaign by President Biden and his top aides to press Hamas leaders to accept the six-week halt in fighting and possibly lay the foundation for a longer-term cease-fire.

Mr. Blinken made similar comments to reporters the previous evening outside a humanitarian aid warehouse in Zarqa, Jordan. Earlier this week, Mr. Biden urged the leaders of Qatar and Egypt to push Hamas to accept the terms, after Israel agreed to lower the required number of hostages released in the initial round to 33 from 40.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has said he supports the latest proposed deal, but at the same time he has vowed to carry out a major ground offensive in the city of Rafah “with or without a deal.” Israeli officials say their objective is to eliminate four battalions of Hamas fighters in Rafah.

Mr. Hamdan, the Hamas spokesman, said in his comments on Al Manar television, “If the enemy carries out the Rafah operation, negotiations will stop.”

Biden administration officials are opposed to a major ground assault in Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge during the war.

Mr. Blinken discussed the hostage and cease-fire deal on the table in a nearly three-hour meeting with Mr. Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday, according to a summary from the State Department. He also spoke about efforts to increase humanitarian aid in Gaza and the U.S. government’s “clear position” on Rafah, the summary said.

Israeli officials said a new crossing into northern Gaza, near the Erez kibbutz, had just opened to allow aid deliveries, and that 30 trucks with goods from Jordan had rolled through the crossing earlier on Wednesday. The opening was promised weeks ago, but the Israeli military said it had to build inspection facilities and pave roads on both sides of the border before the crossing could be used by aid trucks.

Hwaida Saad contributed reporting from Beirut, Lebanon.

— Edward Wong traveling in the Middle East with the U.S. secretary of state

Israel has softened some demands in cease-fire negotiations, officials say.

After a monthslong standoff, Israel is softening some of its demands in negotiations over a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held there.

As part of its latest proposal, Israel would allow displaced Palestinian civilians to return to northern Gaza, according to two Israeli officials, which is a sharp reversal on an issue that has been a sticking point in the talks.

For weeks, Israel has demanded that it be allowed to impose significant restrictions on Palestinians going back to the north because of worries that Hamas could take advantage of a large-scale return to strengthen itself. Now, Israel has consented to Palestinian civilians’ going back en masse during the first phase of an agreement, according to the officials, whose account was confirmed by a non-Israeli official familiar with the talks.

One of the Israeli officials said those returning to the north would be subject to no inspections or limitations, while the second said there would be nearly no restrictions, without elaborating. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to share details of the proposal.

It was not clear whether Hamas would accept the most recent Israeli proposal, which is part of negotiations that the two sides are conducting indirectly through mediators from Egypt and Qatar. As of Wednesday afternoon, the group hadn’t officially issued a response.

The cease-fire talks were a focus of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken as he visited Israel on Wednesday. “There is a proposal on the table, and as we’ve said, no delays, no excuses,” Mr. Blinken said before meeting with President Isaac Herzog. He later discussed the talks and other issues in a nearly three-hour meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas has long demanded that any deal include a permanent end to the war, which has forced most of Gaza’s more than two million people to flee their homes. The Israeli offer, according to one of the Israeli officials, doesn’t include language that refers explicitly to an end to the fighting.

Hanging over the negotiations is Israel’s threat to invade Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza where roughly a million civilians are sheltering, along with what Israel says are thousands of Hamas fighters. But even as it vows to carry out its plan for a ground invasion there, in defiance of pleas from world leaders and humanitarian groups, it is showing some willingness to make concessions in talks to stop the fighting and free hostages.

On Monday, The New York Times reported that, as part of its proposal, Israel had reduced the number of hostages Hamas would need to release in the initial phase of a deal. For months, it had been insisting on the release of 40 hostages, but in the new offer, the Israeli government said it would agree to 33.

That change was prompted in part by the fact that Israel now believes that some of the 40 have died in captivity , one of the officials said.

As details of Israel’s latest offer have emerged, Mr. Netanyahu has come under increasing pressure from his right-wing coalition partners to reject compromise. If they withdraw from the government over a deal, Israel could head to early elections, threatening Mr. Netanyahu’s political future.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hard-line member of the coalition, has said that if Mr. Netanyahu gives up on invading Rafah immediately, a government under his leadership doesn’t have “the right to exist.”

On Tuesday, Mr. Netanyahu said an invasion of Rafah would take place, without saying when.

“The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” he said in a meeting with the families of hostages, according to a statement from his office. “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there — with or without a deal — in order to achieve the total victory.”

If Israel and Hamas strike an agreement, it would be the first cease-fire since late November, when a short-lived pause in the fighting allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas and its allies captured roughly 240 Israelis and foreigners in their attack on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel to go to war in Gaza. More than 130 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, but some are thought to have died.

Aaron Boxerman contributed reporting.

— Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

Israeli settlers attacked aid trucks headed to Gaza, Jordan says.

Israeli settlers attacked several aid trucks on the way from Jordan to Gaza around dawn on Wednesday, including some that were headed for the newly opened border crossing on the north edge of the Gaza Strip, Jordan’s foreign ministry said.

The ministry said that the settlers dumped some of the aid onto the street . It condemned the Israeli government’s failure to protect the aid as a violation of its legal obligation to safeguard the flow of food and other humanitarian necessities to the devastated Palestinian enclave, and said the attack undermined Israel’s claim that it was working to allow more aid into Gaza.

Asked about the attack, the Israeli military said in a statement that overnight, Israeli civilians had “caused damage” to aid on several trucks from Jordan “secured” by Israeli forces.

Details about the attack, including where it happened and how much aid was dumped or damaged, were not immediately released by the Israeli military or the Jordanian foreign ministry, though both said the trucks ultimately managed to reach Gaza.

Honenu, a right-wing legal aid group that often represents Israeli extremists accused of violent crimes against Palestinians, said that four people had been arrested for blocking aid trucks near Ma’ale Adumim, one of the largest Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The trucks were part of two convoys, one of which was headed for the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, the Jordanian foreign ministry said. The other convoy was the first to enter northern Gaza through the Erez crossing, according to the Jordanian foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, who called the attack “despicable” on social media and called for global condemnation and international sanctions against Israel.

Israel agreed to open the Erez crossing on Wednesday, after some of its closest allies, including the United States, pressured it to allow more aid into Gaza in the aftermath of the Israeli military’s killing of seven World Central Kitchen workers in April. For months beforehand, United Nations officials and aid organizations had been pleading with Israel to open the crossing to allow aid to move directly into northern Gaza, in hopes of averting famine.

Honenu said on Wednesday that it had provided legal counsel to the four arrested individuals, and that they had been released after being issued a restraining order requiring them to stay away from aid convoys and not participate in illicit gatherings.

Israeli civilians have repeatedly blocked the passage of aid trucks — sometimes as Israeli security forces stand by — with many demanding that no aid reach Palestinians in Gaza until hostages held in the enclave are released.

The U.S. secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, who has been on another wartime tour of the Middle East, was in Jordan on Tuesday at the warehouse where medical and food aid was being loaded onto the convoy heading to the Erez crossing. He praised Israel’s opening of the crossing as “real and important progress,” adding that “more still needs to be done.” On Wednesday, during a visit to Israel, Mr. Blinken included the Kerem Shalom crossing among his stops.

— Anushka Patil and Johnatan Reiss

Blinken’s visit to the Kerem Shalom crossing puts aid for Gaza front and center.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visited an inspection checkpoint at the Kerem Shalom border crossing in Israel on Wednesday, part of an effort to prioritize the issue of humanitarian aid for Gaza during his Middle East tour.

Under pressure from President Biden after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers , Israel announced last month that it would open more avenues for aid to enter Gaza . Israel has since expedited the flow of aid into Gaza amid intense international scrutiny, though humanitarian organizations say more is urgently needed to alleviate the severe hunger that is gripping the enclave.

Here’s a look at where things stand .

Border Crossings

Israel imposes stringent checks on incoming aid to keep out anything that might help Hamas, which it has pledged to eliminate. Since the start of the war, most of the aid for Gaza has been transiting through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Israel opened the crossing at Kerem Shalom in December after pressure from the United States to speed up the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, Israeli protesters have regularly gathered at the crossing, trying to block aid convoys from entering the enclave in the hopes of raising the pressure on Hamas to release the hostages.

The Rafah and Kerem Shalom checkpoints both touch southern Gaza. Aid officials pleaded with Israel for months to add additional entry points — especially in the north, where the risk of famine was deemed greatest by the United Nations.

Under pressure, Israel said last month that it would reopen the Erez border crossing into northern Gaza and that shipments bound for the enclave would be accepted at the Israeli port of Ashdod. On Wednesday, Israel said that the first aid trucks, 30 in total, had passed through the crossing after being inspected.

But the Erez crossing, which was primarily used for pedestrian traffic before the war, was badly damaged during the Hamas-led raid on Israel in October. As international officials and humanitarian agencies looked for signs that Israel was making good on its pledges, Israel said it would be opening another crossing into northern Gaza — not Erez.

Other Efforts

U.S. Army engineers also are working to construct a floating pier off the coast of Gaza. The pier — which Mr. Blinken said Tuesday would be operational in about one week — could help relief workers deliver as many as two million meals a day.

And the Jordanian military and government have in recent weeks increased the amount of aid arriving in overland convoys, which travel from Jordan through the West Bank and across part of Israel before reaching the southern Gaza border crossings. The Jordanian military carries out its own inspections. Government trucks are inspected by Israel.

Situation on the Ground

There are widespread food shortages in Gaza, and the United Nations has warned that a famine is looming . Aid groups and United Nations officials have accused Israel of systematically limiting aid delivery. Israel denies the assertion, blaming the shortages on logistical failures by aid groups, and has recently increased the number of trucks entering the strip.

In recent weeks, Israel’s efforts to increase the flow of aid have been acknowledged by the Biden administration and international aid officials. More aid trucks also appeared to be reaching Gaza, especially in the north.

On Wednesday, Mr. Blinken discussed how aid delivery has improved when he met with Mr. Netanyahu and “reiterated the importance of accelerating and sustaining that improvement,” according to the State Department.

— Cassandra Vinograd

‘Thank you, American universities’: Gazans express gratitude for campus protesters.

Thousands of miles away from the campus protests that have divided Americans, some displaced Palestinians are expressing solidarity with the antiwar demonstrators and gratitude for their efforts.

Messages of support were written on some tents in the southern city of Rafah, where roughly a million displaced people have sought shelter from the Israeli bombardment and ground fighting that Gazan health officials say have killed more than 34,000 people.

“Thank you, American universities,” read one message captured on video by the Reuters news agency. “Thank you, students in solidarity with Gaza your message has reached” us, read another nearby.

Tensions have risen at campuses across the United States, with police in riot gear arresting dozens of people at Columbia University on Tuesday night and officers across the country clashing with pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had erected encampments and seized academic buildings at other institutions. The protesters have been calling for universities to divest from companies with ties to Israel, and some have vowed not to back down.

The protests have come at a particularly fearful time in Rafah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel vowing to launch a ground invasion of the city to root out Hamas battalions there despite glimmers of hope for a temporary cease-fire.

Palestinians “are very happy that there are still people standing with us,” said Mohammed al-Baradei, a 24-year-old recent graduate from the dentistry program at Al-Azhar University who spoke by phone from Rafah.

“The special thing is that this is happening in America and that people there are still aware and the awareness is growing every day for the Palestinian cause,” he added.

Akram al-Satri, a 47-year-old freelance journalist sheltering in Rafah, said Gazans were “watching with hope and gratitude the student movement in the United States.”

“For us this is a glimmer of hope on a national level,” he added in a voice message on Wednesday.

Bisan Owda, a 25-year-old Palestinian who has been documenting the war on social media, said in a video posted to her more than 4.5 million Instagram followers that the campus protests had brought her a new sense of possibility.

“I’ve lived my whole life in Gaza Strip and I’ve never felt hope like now,” said Ms. Owda.

Nader Ibrahim contributed reporting and video production from London.

— Hiba Yazbek reporting from Jerusalem

Colombia’s president says the country will sever ties with Israel, calling its government ‘genocidal.’

Colombia will sever diplomatic ties with Israel over its prosecution of the war in Gaza, President Gustavo Petro announced in Bogotá on Wednesday, describing the Israeli government as “genocidal.”

His announcement came in a speech in Colombia’s capital city in front of cheering crowds that had gathered for International Workers’ Day.

“The times of genocide, of the extermination of an entire people cannot come before our eyes, before our passivity,” Mr. Petro said. “If Palestine dies, humanity dies.”

Colombia is the second South American nation to break off relations with Israel after Bolivia, which cut ties in November over its strikes in Gaza. On the day that Bolivia made its announcement, Colombia and Chile both said that they were recalling their ambassadors to Israel, and Honduras followed suit within days. Belize also cut diplomatic ties with Israel that month.

The Israeli government denounced Mr. Petro’s move on Wednesday.

“History will remember that Gustavo Petro chose to stand at the side of the most abominable monsters known to man, who burned babies, killed children, raped woman and abducted innocent civilians,” Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, wrote on X . “Israel and Colombia always enjoyed warm ties. Even an antisemitic and hateful president will not change that.’’

Mr. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist leader and a critic of U.S. drug policy toward his country, had threatened to cut ties with Israel in March if it did not comply with a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. And he called on other countries to do the same. In response to that threat, Mr. Katz wrote on X that Mr. Petro’s “support for Hamas murderers” who carried out massacres and committed sex crimes against Israelis was shameful.

“Israel will continue to protect its citizens and will not yield to any pressure or threats,” he added.

In February Mr. Petro suspended Colombia’s purchase of Israeli weapons in February after Israeli forces opened fire while a crowd was gathered near a convoy of trucks carrying desperately needed aid to Gaza City, part of a chaotic scene in which scores of people were killed and injured, according to Gazan health officials and the Israeli military.

“Asking for food, more than 100 Palestinians were killed by Netanyahu,” Mr. Petro wrote on X at the time, comparing the events to the Holocaust “even if the world powers do not like to acknowledge it.”

“The world must block Netanyahu,” he added.

— Genevieve Glatsky reporting from Bogotá, Colombia

Netanyahu’s pledge to invade Rafah could undermine efforts to reach a cease-fire deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel once again pledged on Tuesday to launch a ground invasion into the southern Gazan city of Rafah, a move that could undermine efforts to negotiate a cease-fire agreement after seven months of war in the Palestinian enclave.

The United States, Qatar and several countries have been pushing to get a cease-fire deal, with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visiting the region and expectations rising that Hamas and Israel might be edging closer to an agreement.

But with Hamas arguing that any agreement should include an end to the war, and with right-wing politicians in Israel threatening to leave the government coalition if the long-planned incursion into Rafah is delayed, Mr. Netanyahu made clear that Israel would reserve the right to keep fighting.

“The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” he said in a meeting with the families of hostages held in Gaza, according to a statement from his office. “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there — with or without a deal, in order to achieve the total victory.”

Israeli officials have said repeatedly that they plan to move into Rafah, but over the weekend, they made clear they were open to holding off if it meant they could secure the release of hostages taken when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. One official also suggested that Israel was using the threat of an imminent military maneuver to press the armed group into a hostage deal.

In anticipation of an offensive, some families in Rafah have been moving north into areas of Gaza that had already been attacked by Israeli forces, but on Tuesday, the scale of the evacuation remained unclear. As of last week, more than one million Gazans, many of them previously displaced from other parts of the territory by Israeli bombardment, were still sheltering in the city in makeshift tents.

American officials and other allies have been pressing Israel to either avoid an assault on Rafah or develop specific plans to adequately minimize civilian casualties.

On Tuesday, Mr. Blinken met with officials in Jordan to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, and to press for peace and an increase in humanitarian aid. There was no immediate reaction from the State Department to Mr. Netanyahu’s remarks.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain spoke to Mr. Netanyahu on Tuesday, his office said in a statement. The British leader “continued to push for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow more aid in and hostages out” and said that Britain’s focus was on de-escalation, it said.

For weeks, cease-fire talks had been at a standstill. But Israeli officials have said that negotiators have reduced the number of hostages they want Hamas to release during the first phase of a truce, opening up the possibility that the stalled negotiations could be revived.

A senior Hamas official said on social media on Monday that the group was studying a new Israeli proposal.

A Hamas delegation met with officials in Egypt’s intelligence service on Monday, according to a senior Hamas official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about sensitive discussions between Hamas and Egypt.

Adam Rasgon contributed reporting.

— Damien Cave

A father in Rafah whose family survived an airstrike asks, ‘What should we do?’

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel repeats his vow to launch a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza and Israeli airstrikes continue to pummel the city, it is a particularly fearful time for displaced families sheltering there.

“What should we do? Where will we go?” said Mohammed Abu Youssef, who spoke on Wednesday in video shot by the Reuters news agency about how he and his children had narrowly survived an airstrike. “I am waiting for a tent so I can leave,” he added as he burst into tears.

Mr. Abu Youssef said his family had recently fled to Al-Shaboura neighborhood in Rafah, seeking safety. He suffered a head injury in the strike, he said, and his brother-in-law, who was sheltering with him, lost two children. Several other relatives were also wounded, he said.

Roughly a million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Rafah from the Israeli bombardment and ground fighting that health officials say have killed more than 34,000 people across Gaza. Israel has said that the purpose of the planned invasion is to root out Hamas fighters there.

Mr. Abu Youssef said he was now left grappling with the uncertainty of again trying to find a place where his family could be safe. Some displaced families in Rafah have already been moving north into areas of Gaza that were combat zones earlier in the war.

Advertisement

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Blinken says Israel still must do more to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday began his seventh diplomatic mission to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war began more than six months ago. (Apr. 29, 2024)

Middle East experts on state of Israel-Hamas war ceasefire talks, humanitarian aid to Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday. Earlier on Monday, Blinken said Israel must still do more to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, right, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second right, walk to a Joint Ministerial Meeting of the GCC-U.S. Strategic Partnership to discuss the humanitarian crises faced in Gaza, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

• Copy Link copied

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends the U.S.-Arab Quint Meeting with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Palestinian Authority, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, attends the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, right, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken walk to a Joint Ministerial Meeting of the GCC-U.S. Strategic Partnership to discuss the humanitarian crises faced in Gaza in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, sitting second from left, attends the U.S.-Arab Quint Meeting with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Palestinian Authority, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

U.S.Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds files as walks to the U.S.-Arab Quint Meeting with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Palestinian Authority, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Photo via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, sitting third from left, attends the U.S.-Arab Quint Meeting with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Palestinian Authority, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday April 29, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Pool via AP)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that Israel must still do more to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip and that he would use his Middle East trip — his seventh to the region since the Israel-Hamas war started in October — to press that case with Israeli leaders.

Speaking at events in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Blinken said the best way to ease the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza would be to conclude an elusive cease-fire agreement , which also would release Israeli hostages held by Hamas since its Oct. 7 attacks launched the war. Hamas has been presented with an “extraordinarily generous” offer by Israel that he hoped the group would accept, he said.

“Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel, and in this moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and cease-fire is Hamas ,” he said at a World Economic Forum gathering in Riyadh.

“They have to decide, and they have to decide quickly. So, we’re looking to that, and I’m hopeful that they will make the right decision and we can have a fundamental change in the dynamic,” Blinken said.

Although talks continue, Hamas has so far balked at a series of offers negotiated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States and agreed to by Israel. Even without a deal, Blinken said it was critical to improve conditions in Gaza now.

“We’re also not waiting on a cease-fire to take the necessary steps to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza,” Blinken told Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers earlier Monday, when he arrived in Saudi Arabia for the first stop on his Middle East tour, which includes stops in Jordan and Israel on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We have seen measurable progress in the last few weeks, including the opening of new crossings and increased volume of aid delivery to Gaza and within Gaza, and the building of the U.S. maritime corridor, which will open in the coming weeks. But it is not enough. We still need to get more aid in and around Gaza,” he said.

He said safety for humanitarian relief workers must be improved and that there’s a focus on ensuring the aid is making a proper impact for Palestinian civilians.

Scores of relief workers have been killed since the conflict began, and an Israeli attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza this month that killed seven aid workers only highlighted the dangers and difficulties of protecting them. Israel has said the strike was a mistake and has disciplined officials involved .

World Central Kitchen said it would resume operations in Gaza on Monday after a four-week suspension.

Blinken, who also is meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, has his work cut out for him.

The war in Gaza has ground on with little end in sight: More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed , hundreds of thousands more are displaced and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening.

The conflict has fueled mass protests around the world that have spread to American college campuses . U.S. support for Israel, particularly arms transfers, has come under particular criticism, something the administration is keenly aware poses potential problems for U.S. President Joe Biden in an election year.

Blinken’s trip comes as there are renewed concerns about the conflict spreading in the Middle East and with once-promising prospects for Israeli-Saudi rapprochement effectively on hold as Israel refuses to consider one of the Saudis’ main conditions for normalized relations: the creation of a Palestinian state .

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has been warning Israel against a major military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting farther north. Israel has not yet launched such an offensive, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that one will take place, asserting that it is the only way to wipe out Hamas .

Both topics were discussed during a Biden-Netanyahu phone call on Sunday, according to the White House and U.S. officials.

During his trip, Blinken said he would also underscore the absolute importance of not allowing the Israel-Hamas conflict to engulf the region .

The danger of conflagration was underscored this month when a suspected Israeli attack on an Iranian consular building in Syria prompted an unprecedented direct missile and drone response by Iran against Israel . An apparent retaliatory Israeli strike on Iran followed.

Although the tit-for-tat cycle appears to have ended for now, deep concerns remain that Iran or its proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria or Yemen could act in such a way as to provoke a greater response from Israel or that Israel might take action that Iran feels it must retaliate for.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Gaza latest: Israel's use of weapons provided by US likely violated international law, report by Biden govt finds

The Biden administration says Israel likely violated international law with US-provided weapons. Earlier, Israel's ambassador to the UN used a paper shredder to shred the UN charter on stage at the UN General Assembly.

Saturday 11 May 2024 04:47, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• US report says Israel's use of arms likely violated international law
• Israeli ambassador to United Nations shreds 'copy of UN charter'
• UN General Assembly backs Palestinian bid for full membership
• Mark Stone analysis: Who voted with Israel at the UN and why were most Pacific Island nations?
• Netanyahu says Israelis will fight with 'fingernails' after Biden weapons warning - but Rafah decision unclear
• Israeli war cabinet 'approves expanded Rafah operation'
• Alistair Bunkall analysis: Biden's reputation is on the line if Netanyahu defies him
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell and (earlier) Richard Williams

Firefighters are battling a large blaze in Kiryat Shmona, a city in northern Israel, after 35 rockets were fired by Lebanon's Hezbollah, according to The Times of Israel.

The news site cited the Israel Fire and Rescue Services as saying 10 firefighting teams were at the scene.

Video posted on social media appeared to show the fire on what looked like the side of a hill.

No casualties or injuries have been reported. 

A report by the US government has said that Israel's use of US-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law.

In the findings of a state department report - known as the national security memorandum - the Biden administration said it has found "reasonable" evidence to conclude that its ally had breached international law.

But it added it was unable to link specific US weapons to individual Israeli strikes. 

The report said: "Given Israel's significant reliance on US-made defence articles, it is reasonable to assess that defence articles have been used by Israeli security forces since 7 October in instances inconsistent with its international humanitarian law obligations or with established best practices for mitigating civilian harm."

It added that while Israel has the knowledge, experience and tools to implement the "best practices for mitigating civilian harm in its military operations" evidence from the ground - including high levels of civilian casualties - raise "substantial questions whether the IDF is using them effectively in all cases".

Turning to the issue of aid getting into Gaza, the US government report said it does not currently assess that the Israeli government is prohibiting or restricting the transport or delivery of aid. 

Crucially, the report stops short of saying that Israel has violated the terms under which it is able to use US weapons to carry out its offensive in Gaza.

By Mark Stone , US correspondent 

A huge majority of the world's nations voted with the Palestinians at the United Nations today.

But who were the nine countries that voted against the Palestinian quest for membership, rights and privileges at the UN, and why?

The current Israeli government is firmly against a Palestinian state in every sense.

Different iterations of Israeli governments over the years have oscillated on 'two states', but after the 7 October Hamas attacks the Israeli position cemented - no two states, no Palestinian state.

Broadly, they do not distinguish between the extremism of Hamas and the moderate nature of other Palestinian political factions like the Fatah-run Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. It's the crux of deadlock.

So who else? 

The United States

They stand behind Israel despite significant tension now between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

America is committed to a two-state solution but argues that it begins with a ceasefire and that the formation of a Palestinian state comes much further down the line.

Speaking after the vote, White House spokesman John Kirby said: "We continue to believe in the promise of a two-state solution and an independent state for the Palestinian people. 

"That's something that President Biden remains fully and firmly committed to. We also believe that the best way to do that is through direct negotiations with the parties and not through a vote at the UN of this kind, so that's why we voted no."

As always with geopolitics, relationships are so often symbiotic; they are all about mutual benefit even when, ostensibly, the relationship might seem incongruous.

The eastern-European EU member voted with Israel and against the Palestinians.

Don't assume that hard-right Hungarian Prime Minister Orban's hatred of Hungarian-born Jewish-US billionaire George Soros is a reflection of his views on Israel despite the anti-Soros narrative often being seen as antisemitic.

Antisemitism has haunted the right of politics in Hungary since the Second World War when half a million Jewish Hungarians were murdered. Yet Orban and Netanyahu have a close, longstanding relationship.

Israel and Hungary are aligned by mutual interests. 

Orban admires the way Netanyahu's ethos of building strength out of a small nation-state and the two leaders found mutual interest in standing up to liberal democratic headwinds.

Orban's fallout with the EU has aligned with Netanyahu's assessment that Europe is increasingly anti-Israel.

The Soros-hatred also aligns with Netanyahu in that the conspiracy is that Soros is somehow seeking to 'Islamise' Judeo-Christian Europe with his pro-immigration stance.

Argentina's vote is driven by new populist President Javier Milei who has pledged unwavering support for Netanyahu and has vowed to move Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem. 

Milei has said he plans to convert to Judaism.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic also voted with Israel in line with a strongly pro-Israel stance underlined repeatedly since 7 October.

There is a strong historical bond between Czech leaders and the Zionist movement which helped cement the Jewish State which strengthened after the fall of Communism in 1989. 

As a new democracy, the Czech Republic bonded with a young democracy in Israel. In recent years, economic ties have flourished.

Pacific Island Nations

The rest, curiously maybe, are all Pacific Island nations: Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Nauru and Palau.

The reason for their support is simple: straightforward soft power.

The small developing nations all enjoy generous Israeli aid from the government and from Israeli charities. 

The understanding is that, in return, they will always support Israel at international bodies of which they are members.

Israel insists that its motivation is predominantly humanitarian, but officials are up front to that it's also about positioning Israel in a better light.

Israel uses its considerable expertise in many arenas deftly.

At natural disasters, for example, Israeli rescue crews are often among the first on the ground. 

This targeted soft power diplomacy has helped Israel to secure votes, but also abstentions in its favour among many other nations too.

On this vote though, on Palestine, global opinion was overwhelmingly against Israel.

Israel's entry for Eurovision 2024, Eden Golan, has become one of the favourites among bookies to win this year's contest.

The 20-year-old singer climbed to second favourite from ninth after the semi-final, according to Eurovision World, a website that compiles betting odds from 15 of Europe's biggest bookmakers. 

It said Israel is seen as having a 22% chance of winning, behind Croatia's Baby Lasagna who was seen having a 41% chance.

It comes despite more than 10,000 people gathering in the host Swedish city of Malmo to stage a non-violent protest against Israel's participation in Saturday's final.

While the results of the two semi-finals are decided by viewers, in the final, audience votes will make up only half of the result, while juries of five music professionals in each participating country will make up the other half.

Earlier, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations appeared on stage at a meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Whilst on stage in New York he shredded "a copy of the UN charter" - which was, in reality, three pieces of paper.

His actions came moments before the 193-member world body approved a resolution, giving Palestine new "rights and privileges" within the agency. 

Watch the full moment below. 

A first of its kind report by the US government is expected to conclude that Israel has not violated the terms of its use of US weapons, according to sources cited by the Associated Press. 

The report - known as the national security memorandum - was pushed by President Joe Biden's Democrats in Congress.

When agreed to back in February, defence and state departments were tasked to conduct "an assessment of any credible reports or allegations that such defence articles and, defence services, have been used in a manner not consistent with international law, including international humanitarian law".

They were also obliged to tell Congress if they thought Israel has acted to "arbitrarily to deny, restrict, or otherwise impede, directly or indirectly," delivery of any US-supported humanitarian aid into Gaza for starving civilians there.

It follows the US pausing a shipment of 3,500 bombs heading for Israel over concern they would be used in an offensive on Rafah.

The conclusions of the memorandum are expected to be sharply critical of Israel, but will not state that Israel violated terms of weapons agreements between the two countries. 

A senior Biden administration official said the full report is expected to be released later today, but declined to comment on its conclusions.

Palestinians in Rafah are still preparing to evacuate the eastern parts of the city amid the threat of an Israeli ground offensive. 

The United Nations estimates around 110,000 Palestinians have already fled in search of safety. 

In the latest pictures from the city, a tent camp where people are currently living is seen. 

In one of the images, people appear to have started to make piles of their belongings as they get ready to evacuate. 

South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order additional emergency measures against Israel over its attacks on the city of Rafah, the United Nations top court has said. 

It is part of the ongoing case brought by South Africa in January which accuses Israel of acts of genocide against Palestinians . 

The court - which is located in The Hague in the Netherlands - ordered Israel at the beginning of the year to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide.

South Africa wanted the ICJ to implement provisional measures on Israel which would "immediately suspend military operations in and against Gaza" - but the ICJ stopped short of that.

Any decision to impose provisional measures will be "hugely problematic" for the Israeli offensive, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is destroyed.

Within the last few hours, the United Nations General Assembly has backed a bid put forward by Palestine for it to become a full agency member.

The vote passed by 143 votes to nine but 25 countries - including the UK - abstained.

In a post on X, the UK at the UN explained why it took the decision to abstain. 

"We are abstaining on this resolution because we believe that the first step towards achieving this goal is resolving the immediate crisis in Gaza," it said.

It said the fastest way to end the conflict is to secure a deal which releases all hostages and allows for a pause in fighting. 

The statement added that the UK remains firmly committed to a two-state solution and recognising a Palestinian state, including in the UN, and should be part of the process to achieving a sustainable ceasefire. 

The US ambassador to the UN Robert Wood gave similar reasons as to why America voted against the bid, saying its vote does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood.

"Instead, it is an acknowledgement that statehood will only come from a process that involves direct negotiations between the parties," he said.

What happens next?

For Palestine to become a full UN member, the 15-member UN Security Council will have to vote, and pass, the application.

At the last security council vote in March - which demanded a ceasefire in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan - the US abstained.

The 14 other council members - including Russia, China and the UK - voted in favour.

For now, it remains unclear if or when the security council will vote on Palestine's membership bid.

Hamas has said it will hold talks with leaders of what it called "Palestinian resistance factions" to reconsider its negotiation strategy. 

It said the discussions need to be held due to Benjamin Netanyahu's behaviour, Israeli attacks on places in Rafah and the occupation of the city's border crossing with Egypt.

"Netanyahu and his government are using the negotiations as a cover to attack Rafah and occupy the crossing, and continue the war of extermination against our people, and they bear full responsibility for obstructing reaching an agreement," the statement said. 

Earlier this week, Hamas said they expressed agreement over a ceasefire deal following a phone call with Qatar's prime minister and Egypt's intelligence minister.

Israel later put an end to this, saying it would not accept the deal in its current form, a decision Hamas said today had brought things "back to square one". 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Hamas says it agreed to a cease-fire proposal; Israel strikes Rafah and says deal ‘far from’ meeting its demands

Coverage on this live blog has ended. Follow live updates here.

What to know

• Hamas said in a statement that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal, but Israel said that the deal was "far from" its requirements and that it would push ahead with a Rafah operation and send a delegation to talks.
• The White House said it was reviewing the Hamas statement, which follows days of talks brokered by the U.S., Qatar and Egypt for a deal that would secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
• The Israeli military said it was striking Hamas targets in Rafah, hours after it urged 100,000 people to leave the city and move to what it said is an expanded humanitarian area in the Palestinian enclave.
• The evacuation of eastern Rafah, which Israel says is "limited" and "temporary," comes ahead of an expected ground assault on the southern Gaza city , where more than 1.4 million civilians are sheltering.

Biden meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, discusses need for ‘sustainable’ cease-fire

Phil Helsel

President Joe Biden met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II today as the two leaders “discussed the latest developments in Gaza and affirmed their commitment to work together towards an enduring end to the crisis,” the White House said.

The king was in Washington, D.C., and met with Biden at the White House. The pair stressed the need for an immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, as well as "a sustainable ceasefire that allows for a surge of the urgently needed humanitarian assistance to be delivered safely through Gaza,” the White House said in a statement.

“Both remain committed to achieving a durable, lasting peace to include a pathway to a Palestinian state, with security guarantees for Israel,” it said.

U.N. human rights chief calls evacuation order in Rafah 'inhumane'

The United Nations human rights chief today called Israel’s call for around 100,000 people to evacuate from Rafah inhumane and destined to cause even more suffering.

“This is inhumane. It runs contrary to the basic principles of international humanitarian and human rights laws, which have the effective protection of civilians as their overriding concern,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement .

“Forcibly relocating hundreds of thousands from Rafah to areas which have already been flattened and where there is little shelter and virtually no access to humanitarian assistance necessary for their survival is inconceivable. It will only expose them to more danger and misery,” he said.

Israel warned 100,000 people in Rafah in southern Gaza to leave as it continues military operations in its war against Hamas, which has displaced Gaza’s population and, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, resulted in more than 30,000 deaths.

A main military offensive has not begun, but Israel's military said Monday local time that it was "conducting targeted strikes against Hamas terror targets in eastern Rafah in southern Gaza."

Israel's military told people in Rafah to move to what it said is an expanded humanitarian area.

Protesters say they’ve occupied building at Rhode Island School of Design

A group opposed to the war in Gaza said tonight that they have “occupied” a building at the Rhode Island School of Design and barricaded the second floor.

RISD Students for Justice in Palestine said 24 students and community members began sitting in the Providence Washington building at the school in Providence and then barricaded the second floor.

As in demonstrations at Columbia University in New York City, they renamed the building.

They are demanding “total fiscal transparency of RISD’s investment portfolio” and divestment, as well as that school President Crystal Williams “publicly condemns the Israeli Occupation of Gaza as a genocide.”

RISD said that a group of students was protesting in one of its buildings and that Williams and the provost were meeting with them.

“We have and continue to affirm our students’ right to freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and peaceful assembly. RISD condemns violence and injustice, and we decry antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate,” the school said in a statement tonight. “The wellbeing of all of our students has been and remains our top priority, and we continue to support all members of our community.”

Williams has said that the school has previously adopted an "environmental, social, and governance” policy for investments and that "our investment portfolio is overwhelmingly aligned with our stated values and the concerns shared with us by RSJP," the protest group.

"RISD is simply in a very different investment position than many other institutions nationwide where students are protesting," Williams said.

The school has an enrollment of around 2,500.

France and China presidents say ‘lasting cease-fire' needed to protect Gazans

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping today called for all sides to protect civilians and opposed Israel’s military operation in Rafah.

“The two heads of state marked their opposition to an Israeli offensive on Rafah, which would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe on a new scale, as well as to any forced displacement of Palestinian civilians,” the two leaders said in a statement put out by France’s government.

“The two heads of state stressed that an immediate and lasting cease-fire is urgently needed to allow the large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip,” they said in the statement.

Both also called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of hostages.

Remembrance events were held around the world in honor of the 6 million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust. Survivor Susan Kalev shares her family’s story and why she believes the message to never forget is more important than ever.

Qatari delegation to resume indirect negotiations in Cairo

A Qatari delegation will head to Cairo tomorrow to resume indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in the hope of bringing about a cease-fire in Gaza, Qatar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

The ministry in a statement said that its spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari made the announcement to the Qatar News Agency.

He expressed “the State of Qatar’s hope that the talks will culminate in reaching an agreement for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, and the exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the sustainable flow of humanitarian aid into all areas of the Strip.”

Strikes in Rafah do not appear to be the major military action in region, U.S. official says

The White House is monitoring the reports of tonight’s strikes in Rafah, according to a U.S. official.

The official says that this does not appear to be the major military operation into densely populated areas that the administration was worried about.

So far, it appears to be a targeted tactical operation, this official said. But the White House is watching how it plays out.

Rapper Macklemore announces single "Hind's Hall" to raise funds for UNRWA

Doha Madani

Rapper Macklemore announced a single called "Hind's Hall," a reference to Columbia University's protest, that will raise money for the United Nations' agency for Palestinian refugees.

This appears to be the first song released by a famous American musician to denounce the siege on Gaza, though other artists have released songs about the war. A snippet released to Instagram today praises the pro-Palestinian protesters on campuses across the country and called for a cease-fire, as well as Palestinian liberation.

At one point, Macklemore denounces the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism, rapping that he sees Jews at protests screaming, “Free Palestine."

"What if you were in Gaza? What if those were your kids?" he raps. "If the West was pretending that you didn't exist you want the world to stand up and the students finally did."

He accused President Joe Biden of having blood on his hands, saying, "we can see it all and f---- no, I'm not voting for you in the fall."

Gantz says no stone will go unturned in effort to bring hostages home

Yarden Segev

Israeli Minister Benny Gantz vowed that the country's leaders will continue to work to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza home as the country exerts military pressure on Rafah and Hamas says it is on board with a deal framework.

Gantz released a statement through his Telegram page, saying the negotiating team is reviewing Hamas' response to a framework deal to release captives, though he accused the group of not corresponding to "the dialogue that has taken place so far with the mediators."

"Despite this, we continue to turn over every stone and a delegation will go to Cairo," Gantz said. "Every decision will be brought to the War Cabinet — there will be no political consideration."

He went on to describe Rafah military operations as "an integral part" of the country's efforts to bring the hostages home.

U.N. chief calls on Israel and Hamas to go the 'extra mile'

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is urging both Israeli and Hamas leadership to "go the extra mile needed to make an agreement come true and stop the present suffering."

Guterres' office released a statement today noting that he is deeply concerned about a possible large-scale operation in Rafah and urged the parties to act to protect civilian life.

"We are already seeing movements of people — many of these people are in desperate humanitarian condition and have been repeatedly displaced," the statement said. "They search safety that has been so many times denied."

The U.N. chief also posted to X, saying the protection of civilians is "paramount" to international law.

Pulitzer Board gives special citation to journalists covering the war in Gaza

The Pulitzer Board, which honors special achievements in journalism and the arts, awarded a special citation honoring journalist and media workers covering Gaza.

"Under horrific conditions, an extraordinary number of journalists have died in the effort to tell the stories of Palestinians and others in Gaza," the board said in a statement.

The board went on to acknowledge the loss of not just journalists but also poets and writers who became casualties of war.

"As the Pulitzer Prizes honor categories of journalism, arts, and letters, we mark the loss of invaluable records of the human experience," the board said.

U.S. does not support Rafah offensive as 'currently envisioned' by Israel, State Department says

Abigail Williams

The U.S. cannot support an intensified military operation in Rafah, as it is "currently envisioned by Israel," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters today.

"We have made clear, the secretary has made this clear in his conversations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the Israeli government last week, that we have not seen a humanitarian plan that is credible and implementable," Miller said.

Miller added that the U.S. believes a military operation in Rafah would put the lives of more than 1 million Palestinian civilians at risk. He also spoke briefly about the news that Hamas has agreed to a potential hostage release deal, saying they have only recently received Hamas' response for review.

"We continue to believe that a hostage deal is in the best interests of the Israeli people," Miller said. "It’s in the best interest of the Palestinian people and it would bring increased movement of humanitarian assistance and so we’re going to continue to work to try to reach one."

IDF conducting strikes in east Rafah after PM's office vowed to continue with operation

The Israel Defense Forces were conducting strikes on "Hamas terror targets in eastern Rafah," it said in a statement posted to X a little while ago.

No additional details were available. The statement came shortly after Netanyahu's office vowed to continue with the Rafah operation following Hamas' announcement that it had accepted a cease-fire proposal.

Earlier today, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari told civilians to stay in the designated humanitarian zones for the rest of the night. He also told those in eastern Rafah to move either to Al-Mawasi or Khan Younis.

"There they will receive a full humanitarian response, where water, food, medical equipment and shelter will be provided," Hagari said.

Israel says it will send a delegation to work on cease-fire proposal but continue with Rafah operation

Raf Sanchez

TEL AVIV — Israel's War Cabinet has "unanimously decided" to continue operations in Rafah to exert military pressure on Hamas while sending a delegation to work on a cease-fire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

"Although the Hamas proposal is far from Israel's necessary requirements, Israel will send a delegation of working-class mediators to exhaust the possibility of reaching an agreement under conditions acceptable to Israel," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

Hamas agreed to its interpretation of a deal endorsed by the U.S. and is trying to pressure Israel, source says

Richard Engel NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent, Host of MSNBC's "On Assignment with Richard Engel"

JERUSALEM — Egyptian, Qatari and Hamas officials have been working intensively over the past week based on a deal Israel proposed which was endorsed by the U.S., a senior Arab diplomat told NBC News.

This was the same deal Secretary of State Antony Blinken described as very generous when he visited the region last week to push for an agreement. The issue, however, was that after Blinken praised the deal Netanyahu didn’t send a negotiator to the talks. 

Without the Israelis there, Hamas agreed to its own terms and its own interpretation of the deal, the diplomat said. The diplomat believes that the group's unilateral acceptance of the deal is a pressure tactic.

“What we got from Hamas was a result of tireless efforts nonstop for the last 48 hours and a significant movement on Hamas original position,” the diplomat said, saying it was unclear how Netanyahu will react.

Hamas and the negotiators believed Netanyahu was trying to escape from any deal and push ahead with a military invasion of Rafah. The Arab diplomat said that if Israel isn’t happy with the terms Hamas agreed to, Netanyahu can send a negotiator to seal the deal.

Hostage families say Hamas announcement 'must pave the way' to release deal

Paul Goldman

The families of hostages in Gaza said Hamas' announcement that it is willing to accept a proposal "must pave the way for the return of the 132 hostages held captive," according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"Now is the time for all that are involved, to fulfill their commitment and turn this opportunity into a deal for the return of all the hostages," the group said in a statement.

Hamas agrees to a three-phased hostage deal proposal over six weeks, source says

Ayman Mohyeldin

The proposal that Hamas said it agreed to is a three-phased hostage release that would play out over six weeks and would include a halt in military operations, an Arab official familiar with the deal said.

The source said the proposal does not use the word “cease-fire” but “the permanent halt to Israeli military operations and hostilities in Gaza.” There would be a release of one Israeli hostage for 33 Palestinian prisoners based on seniority of detention in Israeli prison, the source said.

Each phase encompasses the return of Israeli hostages from eldest, women, sick and finally soldiers.

It’s not yet clear if Israel has accepted this proposal, although it was the framework the U.S. had presented as acceptable to the Israelis. The source also added that this is a complex deal that is not yet done.

Biden administration reviewing Hamas' response

Gabe Gutierrez

A senior administration official says the White House is reviewing Hamas’ response to the cease-fire proposal. 

Right now, President Biden is meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House.

Peter Jeary

Palestinians in eastern Rafah have been urged to evacuate and move to Al-Mawasi, an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone near the coast.

Video shows what that area looks like.

Israel reviewing cease-fire proposal, source says

TEL AVIV — An Israeli official says the proposal Hamas has agreed to is not the framework that was agreed upon with mediators.

Israel is examining the proposal Hamas has agreed to and will respond, the source said.

Hamas announced today that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal in a call to Qatari and Egyptian mediators but did not detail the terms of the agreement. The news comes the same day Israel ordered evacuations from Rafah, seemingly in preparation for intensified military operations in the border city.

Israeli defense minister said Rafah operations needed with lack of alternatives

Andrea Mitchell

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier today and told Austin that military action is required, including in the area of Rafah, over a lack of alternative options, according to Gallant's office.

"Hamas continues to conduct attacks on the State of Israel and its citizens, while also indicating a lack of seriousness in regard to the frameworks that were submitted for the release of hostages," Gallant's office said in a statement.

Austin was informed about an attack on a military area near the Kerem Shalom crossing, which Hamas claimed responsibility for, over the weekend. Gallant also thanked Austin for U.S. support.

White House halted large shipment of deadly weapons to Israel last week

Carol E. Lee Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Courtney Kube

The White House halted a large shipment of offensive weapons to Israel last week, as the Israel Defense Forces are ramping up for a ground invasion of Rafah, according to two senior administration officials familiar with the decision.

The shipment included 2,000-pound bombs and other ammunition that would likely be used in Rafah, the officials said. Israel already has a large arsenal, making the halt unlikely to stop an offensive.  

The officials say the move does not indicate a larger change in policy about providing weapons to Israel, but it has been very rare for the U.S. to withhold weapons and equipment to Israel because of concerns over how they could be used.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Axios was first to report the shipment being halted.

Hamas says it agrees to cease-fire deal

Ammar Cheikh Omar

Hamas announced in a statement today that the head of its political bureau has agreed to a cease-fire proposal.

The statement noted that Ismail Haniyeh informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators of its approval in a phone call today.

Israeli officials have not yet released a statement on the matter.

University of Texas senior speaks out about arrest at protest

Daniella Silva

A graduating senior at the University of Texas at Austin described rough treatment from police as she was arrested during a recent protest against the war in Gaza with other students. 

Anne-Marie Jardine, 22, said she was participating in an “incredibly peaceful” protest on April 24 when law enforcement officers arrived to arrest them. Jardine said she was released the next day after being booked on allegations of trespassing, but charges were never filed.

Jardine said multiple law enforcement agencies were present during the arrests.

She said she was standing with her arms locked with a friend when police hit the protesters with their bicycles. Several officers grabbed Jardine: “[They] threw me to the ground” and “dragged me by the hair and my arm,” she said.

Jardine said her injuries included a sprained neck, arm and lower back, as well as cuts and bruises. 

“I got hit in the stomach with the baton,” she said. “We had no idea that we were going to be met with this much violence.” 

The president of the University of Texas at Austin said in a statement that April 24 was a “challenging day for many.”

“The protesters tried to deliver on their stated intent to occupy campus,” Jay Hartzell said. “People not affiliated with UT joined them, and many ignored University officials’ continual pleas for restraint and to immediately disperse. The University did as we said we would do in the face of prohibited actions.”

Jardine said she believes the growing protests across college campuses have reached “a turning point.”

“The main goal or message has always been divest from death," she said. "Also, we want to bring awareness as to what’s happening and then you need to get as many people educated on it as possible, because ultimately, there’s no way to try to excuse genocide.”

Biden updates Netanyahu on hostage talks, makes position 'clear' on Rafah

President Joe Biden "reiterated his clear position on Rafah" on a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a readout from the White House today.

There were no additional details on the conversation regarding Rafah, though Biden's administration has stated many times that it believes there would be devastating humanitarian consequences to intensified operations there.

Netanyahu agreed to ensure the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for humanitarian needs after an attack on an adjacent military compound prompted the crossing's closure over the weekend.

Biden also updated Netanyahu on "efforts to secure a hostage deal, including through ongoing talks today in Doha, Qatar."

The two leaders also acknowledged Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 6 million Jews who were targeted and murdered during "one of the darkest chapters in human history."

Students in Britain start encampments at Oxford and Cambridge

Inspired by recent protests in the U.S., students at the storied Cambridge and Oxford universities have set up encampments on campus.

The pro-Palestinian movement that began at Columbia University and swept campuses across the U.S. has inspired some international schools to demand their institutions divest from weapons manufacturers and cut ties to Israel.

A group called Cambridge for Palestine posted on social media what it said were the university's investments showing how it collaborates with "the Zionist project of ethnically cleansing Palestine."

A similar thread was posted by Oxford Action for Palestine, which included in its list of demands that the university divest from arms companies and invest in the rebuilding of Palestinian territories. The group released a statement announcing its encampment , saying it was the evolution of months of demonstrations, petitions and "all possible efforts to work with the Administration."

"Palestinian liberation concerns all of us," the statement said. "As we all bear witness, we are compelled to act. We are members of an institution that makes this suffering possible."

Both universities responded to the encampments, acknowledging the rights of student and staff to engage in peaceful protest, according to Sky News , and asked that environments remain respectful.

Displaced teachers set up tent school in Rafah

Airstrikes are frequent, drones buzz constantly overhead and an Israeli ground invasion looms large. But on a small patch of sandy wasteland on the outskirts of Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, a group of teachers has set up classrooms in tents, determined to continue educating as war rages around them.

“This magnificent scene sends a message to the world: We are a nation that loves to learn and loves education, that rejects ignorance,” Nehad Badria, the principal, said in an address to students last week as they lined up outside the tents.

The students, all girls ages 6 to 15, listened intently before Badria led them in call-and-response chants. “We love to learn,” they shouted, pumping their fists in the air. “We are free, Arab Palestine.”

Set up to serve some of the tens of thousands of children displaced by the fighting in Gaza, the school is named Al Awdah, which means “return” in Arabic, a nod to the hope that students and teachers can one day return to their homes in other parts of the enclave.

Read the full story here.

World leaders warn Rafah offensive is 'massacre' in the making

Leaders in the Middle East and Europe raised the alarm again over an intensified operation in Rafah, warning that already catastrophic humanitarian conditions will worsen.

Ayman Safadi, Jordan's foreign minister, wrote in a post on X that an operation in the southern border city would be an "indelible stain" on the international community. He said "another massacre of the Palestinians is in the making" and that everyone must act to prevent it.

Egypt's foreign ministry warned that the "escalatory action" puts the lives of more than 1 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah at risk.

"Egypt calls on Israel to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid further escalation at this extremely sensitive time in the process of ceasefire negotiations and to spare the blood of Palestinian civilians who have been exposed to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip," the ministry said in a statement.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said that today's evacuation orders signify the worst to come, "more war and famine." Borrell urged Israel to renounce a ground offensive and urged international leaders to act.

According to France 24 , the French foreign ministry reiterated its opposition to an intensified Rafah invasion.

"The forced displacement of a civilian population constitutes a war crime," the ministry said in a statement.

Rafah offensive will not be a ‘picnic’ for Israeli forces, Hamas warns

Chantal Da Silva

A Hamas official has warned that any military operation in Rafah will "not be a picnic" for Israeli forces.

Izzat Al-Rishq said in a statement that a military offensive in the city, where more than a million people have taken refuge, would also put any negotiations for a cease-fire deal "in jeopardy."

"And it will not be a picnic for the enemy army, and Netanyahu and his government bear full responsibility," Al-Rishq said.

Biden to speak with Netanyahu this morning to discuss Rafah

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning to discuss the potential ground assault on Rafah, according to a National Security Council spokesperson.

An Israeli official also confirmed the two will speak today.

“We can’t speak for IDF operations. We have made our views clear on a major ground invasion of Rafah to the Israeli government, and the president will speak with the prime minister today," an NSC spokesperson said.

"We continue to believe that a hostage deal is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages, and avoid an invasion of Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering. Those talks are ongoing now," the spokesperson added.

Columbia cancels universitywide commencement ceremony after weeks of protests on campus

Antonia Hylton

Mirna Alsharif

Marlene Lenthang

Columbia will replace its universitywide commencement ceremony May 15 with “smaller-scale, school-based celebrations,” university officials announced today,   after weeks of pro-Palestinian and counterprotests on campus.

The Ivy League school said the decision was made after discussions with student leaders. Security concerns were a main reason behind the decision, a university official told NBC News.

Evacuation orders could be start of 'nightmare scenario,' aid group tells NBC News

Israel's calls for Palestinians in eastern Rafah to evacuate the area to Al-Mawasi, just north of the city, marks "the start of the nightmare scenario that we've been dreading for months," warned Samah Hadid, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council.

"We’ve been warning against a military operation in Rafah because the consequences will be deadly and devastating for the over 1 million IDPs in the area," Hadid said in a phone interview with NBC News this morning, using the acronym for internally displaced persons.

Hadid said her organization not only fears for the safety of those who remain in Rafah, but also for those who evacuate to the Al-Mawasi area, which she said she does not believe is equipped to handle a mass influx of people. "It doesn't have the humanitarian services and assistance that’s required to accommodate such a large number of displaced people so it’s ... for us, it’s impossible for this area to be designated as a safe area or a humanitarian zone," she said.

Calling on the Biden administration to "use its influence and leverage over Israel" to stop any possible military operation in Rafah, Hadid said: "It is beyond time for the U.S. government to suspend its arms sales" and military aid to Israel.

Israel orders Al Jazeera to close its local operation and seizes some of its equipment

The Associated Press

Israel ordered the local offices of Qatar’s Al Jazeera satellite news network to close yesterday, escalating a long-running feud between the broadcaster and Netanyahu’s hard-line government as the Doha-mediated cease-fire negotiations with Hamas hang in the balance.

The extraordinary order, which includes confiscating broadcast equipment, preventing the broadcast of the channel’s reports and blocking its websites, is believed to be the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country.

Al Jazeera went off Israel’s main cable and satellite providers in the hours after the order. However, its website and multiple online streaming links still operated yesterday.

“Al Jazeera reporters harmed Israel’s security and incited against soldiers,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “It’s time to remove the Hamas mouthpiece from our country.”

Al Jazeera issued a statement vowing it will “pursue all available legal channels through international legal institutions in its quest to protect both its rights and journalists, as well as the public’s right to information.”

“Israel’s ongoing suppression of the free press, seen as an effort to conceal its actions in the Gaza Strip, stands in contravention of international and humanitarian law,” the network said. “Israel’s direct targeting and killing of journalists, arrests, intimidation and threats will not deter Al Jazeera.”

Palestinians, forced to move again, fear Rafah assault is imminent

JERUSALEM — Palestinians are being forced to move once again, and they are increasingly convinced that an Israeli operation in Rafah is coming.

This time, in an unprecedented move, they're being forced out of the city of Rafah along the Egyptian border where more than 1 million Palestinians are taking shelter because they were told it would be safe there.

They were told to get out of the way to allow for new Israeli military operations against Hamas and instructed to go to another area on the Mediterranean coast, which Israel designated as a not-quite-safe but safer zone.

Civilians pack their lives into vehicles in Rafah

Max Butterworth

Displaced Palestinians were packing their belongings into vehicles this morning as they prepared to flee Rafah following an evacuation order by the Israeli military.

Netanyahu delivers fiery speech as Israel honors Holocaust victims

JERUSALEM — This morning, Israelis stopped for two minutes of silence to remember the six million Jews butchered by the Nazis and their allies during World War II.

The moment of contemplation came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected international pressure to halt the war in Gaza in a fiery speech.

“If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone,” he said yesterday, amid calls for restraint from a growing chorus of world leaders who have criticized the heavy toll caused by Israel’s military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

His message was delivered in a setting that typically avoids politics on one of the most solemn dates on the country’s calendar.

“I say to the leaders of the world: No amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum will stop Israel from defending itself,” he said, speaking in English. “Never again is now.”

Hamas says Rafah evacuation order a ‘dangerous escalation' as two sides trade blame with talks stalled

Israel's order for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah is a "dangerous escalation that will have consequences," a senior Hamas official warned this morning.

The official, Sami Abu Zuhri, told the Reuters news agency that the U.S. also "bears responsibility for this terrorism," in an apparent reference to Washington's support for Israel.

Meanwhile, Israel accused the militant group of having “sabotaged” a possible cease-fire deal.

In a statement released this morning, the Israeli prime minister's office appeared to strike out at comments from top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh yesterday accusing Israel of torpedoing efforts to reach a deal.

“The claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu and not Hamas is the one who sabotaged the hostage release deal is a complete lie and a deliberate deception of the public,” the statement said. “The truth is completely the opposite. Hamas is the one that sabotages every deal by not moving a millimeter from its extreme demands that no government in Israel can accept.”

NBC News sees families begin to evacuate eastern Rafah after IDF order

Video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground in Gaza this morning showed families leaving eastern Rafah, with their few possessions in tow.

Cars and trucks could be seen driving away from the area, their roofs loaded with stacked mattresses, rolled-up blankets and other necessities.

Some could be seen walking, carrying backpacks and hauling large plastic bags on their backs. Other families were just beginning to pack, filling the trunks of their cars with suitcases and boxes.

The city has been crowded with people for months, many of them displaced from elsewhere in Gaza after fleeing the Israeli military's assault further north in the Palestinian enclave.

Cease-fire talks have not completely collapsed, sources tell NBC News

JERUSALEM — Talks to secure a new cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have not completely collapsed, two regional sources told NBC News this morning.

A senior Arab negotiator directly involved in the talks with Israel and the United States said that the negotiations are not over and have not collapsed, so it is not yet clear when or whether a major Rafah operation could begin.

And an Israeli official also said the talks have not completely collapsed, adding that the fact CIA Director William Burns is in the country is an indication that there are still ongoing discussions. Burns was in the Qatari capital, Doha, for talks on the subject yesterday.

Hamas negotiators left the Egyptian capital, Cairo, without an agreement on a new deal to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza and pause the fighting.

The IDF's order this morning for civilians to evacuate parts of Rafah had only added to the concern that a deal may be falling apart.

Richard Engel reported from Jerusalem, and Raf Sanchez from Tel Aviv.

Rafah evacuation comes after 4 IDF soldiers killed at Kerem Shalom crossing

Israel's call for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah come a day after Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hamas "rocket and mortar barrage" toward the Kerem Shalom crossing, according to the IDF.

The crossing for delivering badly needed aid to Gaza was closed overnight and this morning the IDF said the number of soldiers killed had risen to four following the strike.

The IDF noted that it carried out a "counterstrike" in response to the assault and in a later news release said fighter jets struck "terror targets" in the area of Rafah from which projectiles were launched. It said a sniper post, a military structure and terrorist infrastructure were among the targets.

Video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground showed people gathering around a home Palestinians said was targeted in a strike last evening. Witnesses said several people were killed, including children, with video shot by NBC News' crew appearing to show the bodies of at least two children.

NBC News has reached out to the IDF for comment. Israeli officials have not stated any connection between the Kerem Shalom attack and today's Rafah activity.

IDF says evacuation of eastern Rafah is a 'limited scope operation' but questions remain

The evacuation of parts of eastern Rafah is a "limited scope operation," IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a briefing this morning.

Referencing a map outlining the areas Palestinians have been urged to evacuate, he said the development did not represent a "wide-scale evacuation." Israel has also described the evacuation as "temporary."

He further noted that Israel had expanded the "humanitarian area" in which people can seek refuge in Al-Mawasi, saying that effort included "field hospitals, tents, increased quantities of food, water, medicines and additional supplies." Shoshani said the amount of aid entering Gaza would also not change in the coming days.

But it is not clear how or when those being urged to flee Rafah would be able to return to the city, which many have only made their home after being displaced from elsewhere in the enclave. And many Gazans will fear that this could be just the beginning of a broader effort to clear civilians from a city that Israel has long been signaling it plans to assault with troops on the ground.

Rafah assault would be 'devastating for 1.4 million people,’ UNRWA says 

An assault on Rafah by Israeli forces would be "devastating for 1.4 million people," UNRWA has warned.

The United Nations' aid agency for Palestinians said in a post on X that an offensive in the southern city, where more than half of Gaza's population has sought shelter amid the war, would "mean more civilian suffering & deaths."

UNRWA said that its team in Rafah would not be evacuating the area and that the agency would maintain a presence in the city "as long as possible & will continue providing lifesaving aid to people."

Israel tells U.S. it has ‘no alternative’ to Rafah military action

Israel's defense minister told his U.S. counterpart in their exchange yesterday that his country had been left with "no alternative" but to launch an operation in Rafah.

Yoav Gallant said that Hamas was refusing any offer that would allow a deal for a cease-fire and release of hostages who remain held in Gaza, according to a readout from his office. As a result, he said, military action in Rafah was required given "the lack of an alternative."

It comes after the latest round of cease-fire talks appear to have stalled.

Lloyd Austin stressed the need for any military operation in Rafah to include a plan to evacuate civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid, according to a readout of the conversation provided by the Pentagon.

No firm timeline for Rafah ground attack, Israeli official says

TEL AVIV — No firm timeline has been set for when Israeli ground troops will enter Rafah, an Israeli official has told NBC News.

The timing will depend on when the government gives the IDF the order to move in and on how long it takes for civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate, the official said.

The U.S. and its allies have repeatedly urged Israel's government against a ground assault on the southern city, where more than half of Gaza's civilian population is thought to be sheltering.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted his troops will enter Rafah to target Hamas leaders, whether before or after a new truce deal.

IDF drops leaflets over eastern Rafah urging people to evacuate

The IDF has dropped leaflets over eastern Rafah urging Palestinians to evacuate the area to Al-Mawasi, several miles north of the encampment where hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter.

In leaflets seen by NBC News' crew on the ground, people in parts of Al-Shouka, Al-Salam, Al-Jeneina, Tabbah Ziraa, and Al-Byouk were warned to "evacuate immediately to the expanded humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi."

They also urged Palestinians to avoid trying to return north of the Wadi Gaza, saying Gaza City is "still a dangerous combat zone."

In separate flyers, the IDF outlined where humanitarian services would be expanded in Al-Mawasi area.

Around 100,000 people told to evacuate eastern Rafah, IDF spokesman says

TEL AVIV — The number of people being told to move from eastern Rafah into what Israel says is an expanded humanitarian area is estimated to be around 100,000, an IDF spokesman said. 

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani would not say in a media briefing how long civilians have to evacuate under this morning’s evacuation order. 

He also would not go into detail about how the operation will impact the Rafah crossing but said the IDF is committed to maintaining the flow of aid into Gaza. He said the humanitarian zone would be “safer” for civilians but that the IDF reserved the right to strike against Hamas inside the zone.

IDF instructs people in eastern Rafah to move to humanitarian zone

Rudy Chinchilla

Israeli forces today began instructing people in eastern portions of Rafah to move into a humanitarian zone, potentially signaling preparations for a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city.

The call for Palestinians to move was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces, which included a map of the humanitarian area . "Calls to temporarily move to the humanitarian area will be conveyed through posters, SMS messages, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic," the IDF said in a statement.

A possible ground offensive in Rafah has been widely condemned internationally, with United Nations officials warning that it would increase the civilian death toll and worsen the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

The move also comes despite President Joe Biden repeatedly stating U.S. opposition to an invasion of Rafah, where the population has swelled to an estimated 1.4 million people following Israel’s offensive in Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel and the taking of hostages Oct. 7.

The Biden administration has threatened consequences for Israel should it move forward with a military assault without a credible plan to safeguard civilians in Rafah, which had a prewar population of around 250,000. 

Austin reiterates need for civilian protections in Rafah

Mosheh Gains

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin yesterday stressed the need for any Israeli military operation in Rafah to include a plan to evacuate civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid.

He made the remarks while speaking with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to a readout of the conversation provided by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. During the discussion, Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel's defense, and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the return of all hostages taken by Hamas militants.

CIA director may travel to Israel for more cease-fire and hostage negotiations

Dan De Luce

CIA Director William Burns may travel to Israel for more cease-fire and hostage release talks after holding discussions yesterday in the Qatari capital, Doha, a source with knowledge of the matter told NBC News.

Burns, whose schedule remained fluid amid uncertainty over the outcome of the talks, has emerged as a key figure in the negotiations. The CIA director had previously been in Cairo, where Hamas stated that cease-fire discussions concluded yesterday following “in-depth and serious discussions.”

The militant group reiterated key demands that Israel again rejected. After earlier signs of progress, the outlook appeared to dim as  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  vowed to resist international pressure to halt the war.

Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah regardless of cease-fire deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s position that its forces will launch an anticipated military operation in Rafah regardless of whether a cease-fire and hostage deal is reached with Hamas. He made the remark amid fresh optimism that new negotiations could lead to a halt in fighting. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued his tour of the Middle East, arriving in Israel Tuesday to work toward getting more humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

• U.S. lawmakers warn of backlash if ICC issues Israeli arrest warrants
• Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah ‘with or without’ a cease-fire deal
• Blinken continues Middle East tour with stops in Jordan and Israel

Here's what to know:

Here's what to know, live coverage contributors 16.

4:47 p.m. EDT 4:47 p.m. EDT

4:20 p.m. EDT 4:20 p.m. EDT

3:00 p.m. EDT 3:00 p.m. EDT

2:59 p.m. EDT 2:59 p.m. EDT

1:20 p.m. EDT 1:20 p.m. EDT

10:45 a.m. EDT 10:45 a.m. EDT

10:07 a.m. EDT Key update 10:07 a.m. EDT

9:15 a.m. EDT Key update 9:15 a.m. EDT

6:53 a.m. EDT 6:53 a.m. EDT

5:07 a.m. EDT 5:07 a.m. EDT

1:51 a.m. EDT Key update 1:51 a.m. EDT

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .