Palestinian hospital officials have reported that Israeli airstrikes in the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals. Among the casualties were two children, identified as Sham Najjar, 6, and Jamal Nabahan, 8.
Additionally, four people were killed in central Gaza due to Israeli tank shelling as they attempted to move to northern Gaza, where Israel's military is restricting access to homes. The ongoing conflict has forced more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million population to seek refuge in Rafah.
Israel has been conducting frequent air raids on Rafah and has expressed intentions to escalate its ground offensive against the Hamas militant group in the city, despite international calls for restraint.
Background of the Conflict
The Israel-Hamas war was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in significant casualties and abductions. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians, with a majority being women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
The war has left Gaza's major cities in ruins, displacing approximately 80% of the population within the enclave. The situation remains dire, with urgent humanitarian assistance needed to address the growing crisis.
