Israeli offensive in Rafah intensifies as ground battle rages

Witnesses and medics in Rafah have reported intense Israeli airstrikes across northern, central, and southern Gaza.

In Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city bordering Egypt, the Kuwaiti hospital confirmed receiving the bodies of "18 martyrs" killed in Israeli strikes within the past 24 hours. The health ministry in Gaza reported at least 63 casualties in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll from Israel's offensive to over 35,000, primarily comprising women and children.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari disclosed ongoing fighting in Jabalia refugee camp and Gaza City's Zeitun neighborhood, targeting attempts by militants to rebuild their capabilities. The military confirmed its troops' operation in Jabalia and reported heavy clashes and gunfire in the Zeitun area, with witnesses observing fighting in both Zeitun and Jabalia, reported AFP.

Israel's deployment of tanks and troops into eastern Rafah resulted in the evacuation of around 300,000 Palestinians. The UNRWA criticized the "forced and inhumane displacement," emphasizing the lack of safe places for Palestinians in Gaza.

Despite international condemnation, Israel continued its offensive in Rafah, prompting protests worldwide. In Tel Aviv, Israeli protesters demanded more efforts from their government to reach a truce and secure the release of hostages.

The Israeli military declared that it had aimed "over 150 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip" in the previous day.

Israel initiated airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday. Gaza's health ministry reported that the death toll from the conflict had surpassed 35,000 individuals.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas persisted for over seven months, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and an immediate surge in humanitarian aid" into Gaza.

"A ceasefire will only be the start," Guterres emphasized during a donor conference in Kuwait, highlighting the long road to recovery from the devastation of the war.

Despite mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, the prospect of a truce remained uncertain. US President Joe Biden stated on Saturday that a ceasefire could be achieved "tomorrow" if Hamas released the hostages held since the October 7 attack.