Israeli forces have advanced into central Rafah as part of their ongoing offensive in the southern Gaza city, according to a report from the Associated Press. In a statement released on Friday, the Israeli military confirmed that troops operating in Rafah discovered and dismantled Hamas rocket launchers, tunnels, and a weapons storage facility.
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he offensive, which began on May 6, 2024, has led to significant displacement, with over a million Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah. Recent strikes on Sunday resulted in 45 fatalities and 249 injuries after fires broke out in makeshift shelters, allegedly due to an explosion at a nearby Hamas weapons store.
Israeli officials have stated that they will not agree to a ceasefire without the return of hostages. Meanwhile, calls for a pause in fighting have come from international figures, including British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and a coalition of NGOs urging the U.N. Security Council to enforce an immediate cessation of military operations in Rafah.
The Israeli military has reported significant losses for Hamas, claiming that half of Hamas' initial Gaza force of 30,000 has been killed. Hamas representatives have disputed these figures.
The situation remains tense as global leaders and organizations continue to push for humanitarian relief and a sustainable ceasefire.
