Israel Launches Airstrikes on Rafah Amid Truce Talks
Israel carried out deadly airstrikes on Rafah as discussions regarding a ceasefire show progress.
The southern Gaza city, sheltering around 1.4 million Palestinians, faced the attacks after Israel’s threat to deploy troops in pursuit of Hamas militants. Efforts by major powers to halt the Israel-Hamas conflict have faced challenges.
A US envoy’s visit to Israel on Thursday marked the latest attempt to broker a truce deal. International concerns rise over Gaza’s increasing civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict initiated by Hamas’s October 7 attack.
The war has also heightened violence in the West Bank, where three Palestinian gunmen killed one person and injured eight, including a pregnant woman, in a shooting near a Jewish settlement.
Israeli far-right leaders advocate for more citizens carrying weapons and tighter restrictions on Palestinian residents. Meanwhile, Hamas calls for an escalation in attacks.
Over four months of relentless fighting have devastated much of Gaza, pushing its population to the brink of famine.
Rafah, particularly concerning due to displaced civilians living in crowded conditions, faces ongoing bombings. Israel warns that unless Hamas releases its remaining hostages by the start of Ramadan, it will continue military actions during the holy month.
Reports from Rafah cite multiple airstrikes overnight, causing casualties and destruction. Gaza’s Civil Defence agency confirms fatalities, and residents navigate through the ruins, illustrating the impact on the city, including the al-Faruq mosque.
