Israel’s military intensified its ground operations in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, specifically targeting Rafah city. This escalation marks nearly one week into a renewed offensive against the territory controlled by Hamas. Local authorities urged Palestinians to evacuate the area and move further north to avoid the impending military actions.
Military spokesman Avichay Adraee stated on X that the offensive was launched to target terrorist organizations in the Tal al-Sultan district of Rafah. Adraee further stated that warnings were disseminated via drones and leaflets, advising residents to leave what was described as a “dangerous combat zone.”
In light of the conflict and the ongoing month of Ramadan, many displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza struggle to secure basic necessities. Iman al-Bardawil, a 19-year-old resident of Khan Yunis, expressed her concerns at a charity kitchen, highlighting the difficulties in finding food for her family. Another resident, Saed Abu al-Jidyan, echoed her sentiments, stating that the crossings were closed, and his salary had been suspended since the war began.
Prior to this renewed offensive, Israel had blocked humanitarian aid and electricity to Gaza in an attempt to compel Hamas to agree to ceasefire terms and secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks. The power outages exacerbated conditions for Gaza’s population of approximately 2.4 million people.
In its operations, the Israeli military targeted Hamas militants in northern Gaza, notably expanding its security zone. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced plans to seize more territory as a means to pressure Hamas, and indicated possible annexation of the area if demands were not met. Families of hostages, however, expressed their concerns, arguing that resumed bombardments jeopardize the lives of those they wish to have returned.
During an airstrike in Khan Yunis, Salah al-Bardawil, a senior Hamas political official, was killed alongside his wife. This incident marked the third such high-profile assassination within the previous week.
Simultaneously, tensions escalated in Lebanon during the same period, culminating in an Israeli airstrike that killed seven people in Tyre, a move connected to missile fire that Hezbollah denied. Conflicts also arose with Yemen’s Houthi rebels launching missiles at Israel, which were intercepted early Sunday.
Domestically, protests erupted in Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with demonstrators advocating for an end to violence and the immediate return of hostages. According to reports, the repercussions of the conflict have thus far resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with nearly 50,000 reported dead in Gaza and substantial civilian losses in Israel.
