Israel still intends on destroying Hamas, according to Netanyahu. Will he be allowed to do so is the question, or will Hamas live to kill more Jews another day?
In recent days, the Israeli military has significantly intensified its operations in Rafah, located at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, while also expanding its strikes throughout the northern and central regions of the territory. This escalation comes amid ongoing fierce military engagements that began in early May.
“The only thing Palestinians 🇵🇸 have ever invented are improvised weapons for killing Jews. With tens of billions in foreign aid, they could have turned Gaza into Dubai or Singapore. Instead, they spent it all on weapons and terror tunnels.”
From my interview with @visegrad24 pic.twitter.com/5yFdJXkm3C
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) June 21, 2024
The focus of the Israeli assault has been on seizing complete control of Rafah, a strategic city that has already witnessed substantial conflict. Israeli tanks have now penetrated the western and northern sectors of Rafah, effectively gaining control over most parts of the city, including the eastern, southern, and central areas.
The offensive has been characterized by a robust use of firepower from various sources. Israeli forces have launched coordinated attacks using aircraft, tanks, and naval vessels, creating a surge of displacement within the city. Initially a refuge for over a million displaced individuals, many of these people are now being forced to flee once more due to the ongoing military action.
On the ground, Palestinian health officials reported that at least 12 Palestinians were killed by separate strikes on a single day, highlighting the deadly impact of the intensified campaign. The Israeli military has described its operations in Rafah as “precise, intelligence-based” efforts, focusing on close-quarters combat and the destruction of tunnels alleged to be used by the Hamas militant group.
Dua Lipa:
“Burning children alive can never be justified. The whole world is mobilizing to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza.” pic.twitter.com/whKlKIptbc
— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) June 19, 2024
Residents of Rafah have conveyed a sense of accelerated military activity and constant bombardment over recent days. One local, Hatem, 45, communicated via text that the previous night was particularly severe with continuous bombardment from drones, planes, tanks, and naval boats. He expressed a feeling of imminent complete Israeli control over the city.
Ahmed al-Sofi, Rafah’s mayor, has labeled the situation in Rafah as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” stating that the city is entirely engulfed by Israeli military operations and that residents are dying within their makeshift shelters due to the relentless strikes.
Major Points
- The Israeli military has ramped up its operations in Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip, while also expanding attacks across northern and central Gaza.
- Israeli forces have taken control of most parts of Rafah, employing tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels to advance their assault.
- This escalated military action has forced a new wave of displacement, affecting a city that was already hosting over a million displaced individuals.
- At least 12 Palestinians were killed in a single day due to separate Israeli strikes, with ongoing close-quarters combat and targeting of tunnels reportedly used by Hamas.
Kim Lafayette – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
