Amid Truce Talks 45 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attacks on Rafah

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AFP

Israeli forces intensified their assault on Rafah in southern Gaza on Friday, along with other areas in the enclave, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians amidst fierce combat with Hamas operatives, according to residents and the Israeli military.

Residents reported a concerted effort by Israeli forces to gain full control of Rafah, which borders Egypt and has been a focal point of the Israeli offensive since early May. Tanks were observed penetrating the western and northern sectors of the city, having already secured the east, south, and central areas.

The onslaught, involving airstrikes, tank fire, and naval bombardment, forced more civilians to flee the city, which had recently sheltered over a million displaced individuals. Reports from the Gaza health ministry indicated that at least 25 Palestinians were killed in western Rafah's Mawasi area, with 50 others wounded. A tent housing displaced families was reportedly struck by a tank shell.

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In response to these allegations, the Israeli military stated that the incident was being reviewed and initially suggested no involvement in targeting the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi.

Earlier, the Israeli military had described its operations in Rafah as "precise" and "intelligence-based," highlighting ongoing close-quarter combat and the discovery of Hamas tunnels. In recent days, Israeli forces claimed to have targeted a university serving as a Hamas headquarters, uncovering weapons and explosives.

Residents described intensified attacks over the previous nights, with continuous explosions and gunfire echoing throughout western Rafah. Hatem, a resident, expressed concerns that resistance efforts might be slowing down the Israeli advance.

Meanwhile, airstrikes also targeted Khan Younis, resulting in three fatalities including a father and son, according to medics. In Gaza City, airstrikes struck a municipal facility and a house in the Beach camp, killing at least five and seven people respectively, as reported by Palestinian health officials.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported damage to its Gaza office from nearby heavy-caliber projectiles, endangering hundreds of displaced Palestinians housed in tents nearby.

The United Nations reiterated calls for Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure public safety in Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, amid warnings of an imminent humanitarian crisis.

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