Israeli Military Launches Air Raids on Rafah, Southern Gaza

The Israeli military initiated air raids on Rafah in southern Gaza after issuing warnings of a potential ground offensive in the border city. Around 1.4 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, fleeing attacks across the enclave.

The Gaza Strip has endured over four months of relentless attacks by land, air, and sea, resulting in significant destruction and pushing its population of 2.3 million to the brink of famine, as reported by the United Nations.

International attention has recently focused on Rafah, where a ground invasion could displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians near the frontier with Egypt. Rafah also serves as the primary entry point for humanitarian aid from neighbouring Egypt, providing essential relief supplies.

Captives.

A building was damaged in overnight Israeli air raids in Rafah. [Said Khatib/AFP]A mourner next to the body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli attack at al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah. [Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters]A Palestinian boy looks at bodies lying at al-Najjar Hospital. [Mohammed Abed/AFP]A Palestinian girl stands in a damaged building. [Said Khatib/AFP]

Israel has signalled its intention to expand ground operations into Rafah if Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, does not release the remaining captives held in Gaza before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in March.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 99 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were killed overnight, bringing the death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza to 29,410 since October 7. Additionally, at least 69,465 people have been wounded.

Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, is expected to arrive in Israel as part of US efforts to broker a deal for the release of captives and to negotiate a ceasefire. However, details of the ongoing negotiations remain undisclosed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until Hamas is defeated and all captives are freed.

M10News will continue to provide updates on the situation in Gaza and the efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of captives.

Humanitarian Crisis Escalates

As the conflict intensifies, humanitarian concerns mount in Gaza. With infrastructure already decimated and resources scarce, the latest airstrikes exacerbate an already dire situation for civilians. The influx of casualties strains Gaza’s healthcare system, which is already overwhelmed by the sheer volume of injuries.

International Diplomatic Efforts

Amid escalating violence, international actors are stepping up diplomatic efforts to quell the crisis. Brett McGurk’s visit to the region underscores US engagement in seeking a resolution. However, navigating the complex dynamics of the conflict presents formidable challenges for achieving a lasting ceasefire and addressing humanitarian needs.

Civilian Impact

The civilian population bears the brunt of the violence, with women, children, and older people disproportionately affected. The targeting of residential areas and vital infrastructure compounds the suffering of Gaza’s residents, who face dwindling supplies of food, water, and electricity.

Calls for Restraint

Amid mounting casualties and destruction, calls for restraint from the international community grow louder. Urgent appeals for a cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue underscore the need to prioritize civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.

M10News remains committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the unfolding crisis in Gaza and the broader implications for regional stability.