Israeli military forces have thrust into the heart of Gaza's southern city of Rafah, mounting one of the most intense bombardments of the conflict despite growing international condemnation. The assault continues as fragile ceasefire negotiations appear to have reached a deadlock.
The situation on the ground is one of utter devastation. Palestinian residents report tanks pushing into the densely populated Al-Jneina district, with Israeli snipers taking positions on rooftops, effectively trapping civilians inside their homes amidst the chaos.
A City in Flight: The Humanitarian Catastrophe
The United Nations reports a staggering exodus, with nearly a million people forced to flee Rafah since the offensive began. These displaced individuals, many already displaced multiple times, now find themselves seeking refuge in devastated areas like Khan Younis and the coastal encampment of Al-Mawasi, where basic services are virtually non-existent.
The human cost is unimaginable. Gaza's health ministry, run by Hamas, states the death toll has surpassed 35,000, with dozens more killed in the latest strikes. The sound of explosions is near-constant, with one resident describing the aerial attacks as "among the most intense we have ever experienced".
The Stalled Path to Peace
The military escalation coincides with a critical impasse in mediation efforts. A Hamas official confirmed the group's delegation had left Cairo talks, citing the continued aggression as a major obstacle. The core demands remain unchanged: Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, terms Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has repeatedly rejected.
Meanwhile, the border crossing at Kerem Shalom, a vital lifeline for aid, remains closed after a Hamas rocket attack killed four Israeli soldiers. This closure has exacerbated the already dire shortage of food, fuel, and medical supplies, pushing the population closer to famine.
International Reaction and the Road Ahead
The global community watches with increasing alarm. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its Rafah operations, a ruling that has so far gone unheeded. The United States and other Western allies have expressed deep concern over the full-scale assault, yet concrete action remains elusive.
With tanks in the city centre and no viable truce on the horizon, the offensive in Rafah marks a devastating new chapter in a conflict with no clear end in sight, leaving a traumatised civilian population to bear the brunt of the violence.
