RAFAH, Gaza Strip/WASHINGTON. Israeli military forces launched airstrikes and tank bombardments in the eastern part of Rafah on Thursday, according to Palestinian residents, following a warning from U.S. President Joe Biden that major military action by Israel in the southern Gaza city could result in the withholding of weapons.
As ceasefire negotiations continued in Cairo, Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad reported firing anti-tank rockets and mortars at Israeli tanks positioned on the outskirts of Rafah.
Reports from residents and medics in Rafah indicated that an Israeli attack on a mosque in the eastern Brazil neighborhood resulted in the deaths of at least three people and left others wounded. Video footage from the scene depicted the destruction of the mosque’s minaret, as well as casualties being attended to.
Residents also reported helicopter gunfire and drone activity in several areas of Rafah, heightening fears of an imminent invasion.
Israel has asserted that Hamas militants are using Rafah as a hideout, necessitating military action to ensure its security. The influx of hundreds of thousands of Gazans seeking refuge in Rafah has further complicated the situation.
Mohammad Abder-Rahman, a displaced resident, expressed concerns that the Israeli bombardments could precede a full-scale invasion of the city, drawing parallels with previous military actions in Gaza City.
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks in Cairo showed some progress, although no agreement has been reached yet, according to Egyptian security sources. The Hamas delegation has departed for Doha for consultations, blaming Israel for the lack of consensus.
President Biden’s warning against a potential ground invasion of Rafah marked a significant shift in U.S. policy. He emphasized the need for Israel to present a viable plan to protect civilians in the region.
Recent developments have led to a humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting that 80,000 people have fled Rafah this week alone, following Israel’s seizure of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The United States, a major weapons supplier to Israel, has paused the delivery of a shipment of bombs due to concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. Israeli officials have criticized this decision, arguing that it undermines their ability to combat Hamas.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its military objectives in Gaza, signaling a continuation of the standoff.
As the conflict escalates, with ongoing airstrikes across Gaza, the plight of civilians trapped in the violence continues to worsen, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
