RAFAH, Gaza Strip. Amid Israel’s intensified offensive in the central Gaza Strip, tens of thousands of Palestinians have poured into the southern town of Rafah, seeking refuge from the ongoing bombardment. Hospital officials reported dozens killed on Friday as Israel’s air and ground campaign against Hamas continues to displace a staggering 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
The United Nations stated that the influx of displaced people into Rafah, already densely populated, reached around 100,000 in recent days. The ongoing conflict has left Palestinians grappling with a sense of nowhere being safe, as Israeli-designated safe areas have also come under attack.
Arriving in Rafah by trucks, carts, and on foot, those unable to find space in overwhelmed shelters have resorted to building tents along roadsides. Juliette Touma, director of communications at UNRWA, described the situation, stating, “People are using any empty space to build shacks. Some are sleeping in their cars, and others are sleeping in the open.”
Israel’s expanding campaign, focusing on urban refugee camps in central Gaza, has already flattened much of the north. The camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi have become the new epicenter of the conflict, witnessing Israeli warplanes and artillery leveling buildings.
The southern city of Khan Younis is also embroiled in intense fighting, with Israel targeting it under the belief that Hamas leaders are hiding there. Rocket fire from militants persists, particularly aimed at Israel’s southern regions.
The death toll in Gaza has climbed to over 21,500, with a significant number being women and children. The humanitarian crisis has left a quarter of Gaza’s population facing starvation.
Israeli officials have rebuffed international calls for a cease-fire, citing their determination to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of more than 100 hostages taken during the October 7 attack that triggered the current conflict. The military reports 168 soldiers killed since the ground offensive began.
Despite Israel urging central Gaza residents to move south, even Rafah has not been spared. A strike on Thursday destroyed a residential building, claiming at least 23 lives.
The city of Rafah, along the border with Egypt, has seen a massive influx of displaced people. However, the continuous attacks have raised concerns about the safety of these areas.
As the conflict persists, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, prompting calls for Israel to take more precautions to spare civilians and allow for increased aid delivery. The U.S., even as a close ally, has urged Israel to enhance measures to protect civilians.
The toll on civilians was starkly illustrated by an Israeli strike on the Maghazi camp, which killed at least 106 people, according to hospital records, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the war. Israel, in a rare acknowledgment, stated that the wrong munition was used in the strike, leading to “a regrettable mistake.” The military expressed regret for the unintended harm caused to additional uninvolved civilians and pledged to learn from the incident.
