Rafah, Palestine – The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) charity has reported a violent attack on the city of Rafah, resulting in multiple deaths. Witnesses described dozens of air strikes on the north and center of the city. The Israeli military has confirmed conducting strikes in southern Gaza, issuing a warning from the international community over their planned offensive in Rafah, where 1.5 million people are seeking shelter.
The United Nations has expressed concern, stating that there is nowhere safe for the Palestinians who have sought refuge in the far south of the Palestinian territory. US President Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the civilians in Rafah, urging Israel to develop a credible plan for their protection. Despite these concerns, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained determined to proceed with the planned operation.
The possibility of a military operation in Rafah has raised alarms among Israel’s allies and international organizations. With over half of Gaza’s population seeking shelter in the area, many are living in tents in refugee camps after being displaced from their homes by previous Israeli military actions. Hamas, the ruling party in the Gaza Strip, warned of potential casualties and the implications for ongoing negotiations regarding Israeli hostages held in the strip.
The situation in Rafah has prompted a flurry of developments, including reports of casualties, discovery of a tunnel near a school run by the relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), and the ongoing humanitarian concerns in the midst of the conflict. However, the BBC has been unable to independently verify many of the claims made during the course of the war.
Aid groups and UN officials have expressed deep concern over the lack of safe areas for civilians and the potential for a worsening humanitarian crisis. As tensions continue to rise, the future for the residents of Rafah remains uncertain, with the international community closely monitoring the situation for any potential diplomatic or humanitarian interventions.