Cairo: Israeli tanks advanced further into eastern Rafah on Tuesday, penetrating residential neighborhoods where over a million displaced civilians had sought refuge during seven months of conflict. Despite warnings of a humanitarian crisis, Israel pressed ahead with its incursion into the densely populated city.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed concern that Israel’s operations in Rafah were hindering ceasefire efforts mediated by Qatar and Egypt. However, Israel remained resolute in its mission to root out Hamas militants entrenched in the city.
Residents reported clashes as tanks entered neighborhoods, while Hamas claimed to have destroyed an Israeli troop carrier. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) refrained from commenting on the incident.
Evacuation orders issued by Israel prompted civilians to relocate to designated humanitarian areas, but the influx strained resources. UNRWA estimated that around 450,000 people had fled Rafah since May 6, highlighting the dire situation.
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The ongoing conflict has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, with medical facilities facing severe shortages. Despite some emergency fuel deliveries, hospitals are struggling to function effectively.
Meanwhile, fighting has intensified across Gaza, with the Palestinian death toll rising. Israeli forces are targeting areas previously cleared of Hamas presence, aiming to prevent the group from rearming.
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Ceasefire talks remain deadlocked, with Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed emphasizing the need for common ground to end the violence. As the situation escalates, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire continues to worsen.
