Latest reports from Gaza’s Rafah have revealed details of several other tragic losses in the recentair strike conducted by Israeli forces. Medics and first responders in Gaza have reported a devastating toll of 19 fatalities resulting from Israeli air strikes in the southern city of Rafah on Sunday. This incident took place merely hours after Hamas rockets had claimed the lives of three Israeli soldiers earlier in the day.
Emergency first responders, while speaking to AFP, solemnly declared that the number of martyrs in Rafah had risen to 19. It further provided the devastating detail that seven individuals from one family and nine from another had tragically lost their lives in the air strikes. Medical sources further confirmed that two separate strikes had occurred at distinct locations within the city, compounding the sense of loss and tragedy in the region.
According to recent updates, the Israeli military have reported that ten projectiles were fired from Rafah towards the border crossing, prompting the closure of the crossing for aid trucks destined for Gaza. The closure follows an attack that left ten soldiers hospitalized, with uncertainties lingering over the duration of the shutdown, as reported by Israel’s Channel 12 TV channel.
These developments occurred amidst ongoing talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite efforts and “in-depth and serious discussions,” Hamas conveyed that key demands made by the Palestinian militant group were rejected by Israel, according to The Associated Press.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has highlighted his commitment to a military offensive in Rafah, which is regarded as the last bastion of Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu has issued a warning, giving Hamas a week to agree to a ceasefire deal for Gaza. Failure to comply with the ceasefire terms could lead to the initiation of the planned offensive in Rafah.
