By Nidal al-Mughrabi
CAIRO (Reuters) – The conflict in Rafah, Gaza Strip, reached a critical point as Israeli tanks penetrated deeper into the western region, intensifying the bombardment from air, ground, and sea. The escalation forced many families to evacuate their homes and tents under the cover of darkness, according to residents on Thursday.
Residents reported that Israeli forces moved towards the Al-Mawasi area, designated as a humanitarian zone, near the beach in Rafah. Despite this, the Israeli military denied any strikes within the humanitarian zone.
Israel’s objective was to eliminate Hamas’ remaining combat units in Rafah, a city that previously housed over a million people before the latest offensive. Most residents have now fled to other areas.
The Israeli military stated that their operations in Rafah were intelligence-based and targeted, focusing on locating weapons and engaging Palestinian gunmen in close combat. They hit 45 targets across Gaza, including militant cells and tunnel shafts in the past day.
Despite the destruction in Gaza, Hamas remains resilient, and Israel has ruled out peace until the organization is eradicated. Efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, with the U.S. proposing a new plan that Hamas has welcomed with amendments.
Since a brief truce in November, attempts to arrange a lasting ceasefire have failed, with Hamas insisting on a permanent end to the war. The conflict has taken a toll on the civilian population, with thousands dead or displaced.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused immense suffering, with casualties rising daily. The ongoing battle for peace continues, as both sides strive to find a resolution to end the bloodshed in Gaza.
(Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi. Additional reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Gareth Jones)