The Conflict in Rafah: Israeli Forces Advance Deeper
The city of Rafah in Gaza has been the center of intense conflict in recent days, with Israeli forces advancing deeper into the western area of the city. This escalation has led to one of the worst nights of bombardment from air, ground, and sea, forcing many families to flee their homes and tents under darkness.
Israeli tanks have thrust toward the Al-Mawasi area of Rafah near the beach, which is designated as a humanitarian zone in all announcements and maps published by the Israeli army since the offensive began in May. Despite this designation, the Israeli military denied launching any strikes inside the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.
The assault by Israel aims to wipe out Hamas’ last intact combat units in Rafah, a city that once sheltered more than a million people. Most of the residents have now moved north toward Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza Strip to escape the violence.
The Israeli military has stated that it is conducting intelligence-based, targeted operations in Rafah. In the past day alone, they have located weapons and killed Palestinian gunmen in close-range combat. The military has also struck 45 targets across the Gaza Strip from the air, including military structures, militant cells, rocket launchers, and tunnel shafts.
Despite Israel ruling out peace until Hamas is eradicated, the group has welcomed a new US ceasefire proposal with some amendments. Hamas insists that any agreement must secure an end to the war, a demand that Israel continues to reject. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, are working to secure an agreement between the two sides.
Since a brief truce in November, attempts to arrange a ceasefire have failed, with Hamas insisting on a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The conflict was precipitated when militants stormed from Israeli-blockaded Gaza into southern Israel last October, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The ongoing invasion and bombardment of Gaza by Israel has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population. The territory’s health ministry reports that at least 37,000 people have been killed, with thousands more feared buried under rubble. The displacement of most of the 2.3 million population has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As the conflict in Rafah continues to escalate, it is crucial for international mediators to work towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the concerns of both sides. The suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire must be alleviated, and a lasting ceasefire that ensures the safety and security of all residents of Gaza must be achieved.