Rafah: Israeli tanks made a significant advancement into the heart of Rafah on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing ground operation in the southern Gaza city, witnesses confirmed. The tanks were sighted near the iconic Al-Awda mosque, a central landmark in Rafah, according to reports from Reuters. Despite global condemnation, the Israeli military continued its operations in the area, with no official comment on the reported progress into the city center.
Throughout the night, Israeli forces relentlessly pounded Rafah with airstrikes and tank fire, intensifying their offensive despite widespread international outrage following a devastating attack on Sunday. This assault ignited a fire in a tent camp, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 45 Palestinians, a significant portion of whom were children, women, and the elderly. Since this incident, at least 26 more individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli fire in Rafah, as reported by officials in the Hamas-run enclave.
Witnesses reported that Israeli tanks moved towards western neighborhoods, establishing positions on the Zurub hilltop in what residents described as one of the most severe nights of bombardment. On Tuesday, gun battles erupted between Israeli troops and Hamas-led fighters in the Zurub area, further escalating the conflict.
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Residents observed the deployment of remote-operated armored vehicles by the Israeli military, indicating a strategic shift in tactics. However, there was no immediate indication of personnel presence in or around these vehicles, according to witnesses. In response to inquiries, an Israeli military spokesperson remained silent.
Since the commencement of Israel’s incursion three weeks ago, tanks had been probing the outskirts of Rafah and had entered some eastern districts but had not ventured into the city center with such force until now. In the aftermath of Sunday’s tragic attack on a camp housing displaced families, global leaders reiterated calls for the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel’s assault.
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Residents reported ongoing heavy bombardment in the Tel Al-Sultan area, where Sunday’s deadly strike occurred. “Tank shells are falling everywhere in Tel Al-Sultan. Many families have fled their houses in western Rafah under fire throughout the night,” a resident conveyed via a chat app.
According to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), approximately one million people have fled the Israeli offensive in Rafah since early May. Despite a ruling by the top U.N. court ordering Israel to cease its attacks, the country has continued its military operations, citing the court’s ruling as allowing some latitude for military action.
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In a move that further underscored Israel’s increasing isolation, Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their official recognition of a Palestinian state on Tuesday, despite vehement objections from Israel. The decision by these nations is framed as a step towards expediting efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 36,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israel’s offensive. The operation was launched following an attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the seizure of more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Israel asserts that its objective is to eliminate Hamas fighters entrenched in Rafah and rescue hostages believed to be held in the area.
