The recent surge of violence in Rafah has left a trail of devastation as Israeli forces carried out attacks from multiple directions, targeting residential towers and public installations using F-16 aircraft. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli tanks have sealed off the southern city of Rafah, completing the encirclement of the “Red Zone.” Following approval from the Israeli military cabinet to expand operations in the southern city, the Israeli army has ordered the immediate evacuation of 100,000 displaced Palestinian residents from the Red Zone.
In eastern Rafah, Hamas militants have intensified their assaults on Israeli tanks and soldiers with homemade explosive devices, rockets, and snipers, sparking fierce clashes. The situation remains highly volatile as Israeli forces have penetrated deep into the city, where 1.4 million Palestinians sought refuge, leading to ongoing confrontations.
Yesterday’s Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 109 Palestinians, including women and children, with 296 individuals sustaining injuries. Since October 7th, Gaza has witnessed a staggering toll of at least 34,943 Palestinian fatalities and 78,572 injuries due to Israeli offensives.
The escalating brutality by Israel has forced 100,000 Palestinians to flee Rafah, disrupting services at the Rafah Border Crossing’s Al-Najjar Hospital under Israeli control. Additionally, in the recent Gaza clashes, 13 more Israeli soldiers have lost their lives, bringing the total Israeli military casualties to 4 confirmed deaths.