For the first time, tanks enter Rafah as Israel continues its attack in spite of opposition.

Post by: Kanchan Chandel

Photo-AFP

Israeli tanks have reached the heart of Rafah for the first time since the beginning of a ground operation in the southern Gaza city three weeks ago. Witnesses reported the tanks near the Al-Awda mosque, a significant landmark in central Rafah. The Israeli military continued its operations in the area, intensifying airstrikes and tank fire overnight, despite widespread international condemnation following an attack on Sunday that resulted in a devastating fire at a tent camp, claiming the lives of at least 45 Palestinians, many of whom were children, women, and elderly individuals.

In the aftermath of the Sunday strike, the death toll in Rafah rose further, with at least 26 additional casualties reported due to Israeli fire, according to officials in the Hamas-run enclave. Israeli tanks advanced into western neighborhoods, positioning themselves on the Zurub hilltop in the western part of Rafah, amidst reports of intense bombardment by residents. Witnesses also observed gun battles between Israeli troops and Hamas-led fighters in the Zurub area on Tuesday.

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Residents noted the deployment of remote-operated armored vehicles by the Israeli military in Rafah, with no immediate indication of personnel presence in the vicinity. Israeli forces had previously probed the outskirts of Rafah and entered some eastern districts but had not fully entered the city until now.

Following the deadly attack on the tent camp, global leaders urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel's assault. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel continued its offensive, prompting around one million people to flee Rafah since the beginning of May, as reported by the UNRWA.

Israel has maintained its military operations despite a recent ruling by the top UN court ordering it to cease hostilities, arguing that the ruling allows for some military action. In parallel, Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their official recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that drew criticism from Israel but was framed by the three nations as a step toward facilitating efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israeli communities in October, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 36,000 Palestinians reported killed according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel has stated its objective as rooting out Hamas fighters in Rafah and rescuing hostages believed to be held in the area.

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