In a dramatic escalation of military operations, Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, found itself under an intense artillery barrage and relentless gunfire on Thursday. This came after Israel’s bold announcement of securing a critical corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt.
Read more: Israel Secures Rafah Border, Uncovers Gaza-Egypt Tunnels Amid Intense Fighting
The Biden administration remains unwavering in its policy towards Israel, following a recent airstrike in Rafah. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized on Tuesday that there has been no shift in policy as the investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) into the incident continues.
Read more: White House Reaffirms Israel Support Amid Rafah Strike Investigation
For the first time since October 7, reports from Gaza indicate that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tanks have advanced into central Rafah. Eyewitness accounts noted the presence of several tanks stationed near the Al-Awda Mosque, a significant landmark in the city. This move comes less than a week after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ordered a halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Read more: IDF Tanks Enter Central Rafah, Escalating Operations Against Hamas
In a volatile incident near Rafah on Monday, Israeli and Egyptian forces exchanged fire, resulting in the death of at least one Egyptian soldier. According to sources within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the confrontation began when Egyptian soldiers fired at Israeli troops, prompting a return of fire. The Israeli daily newspaper Maariv reported on the incident, which has since been confirmed by IDF officials.
Read more: Israeli-Egyptian Clash Near Rafah: At Least Egyptian Soldier Killed
In a bold operation on Sunday night, Israel’s military confirmed an airstrike in Tal-as-Sultan, located in southwest Rafah, leveraging precise intelligence to target and eliminate two high-ranking Hamas officials. Among those neutralized was Yassin Rabia, the formidable commander overseeing Hamas operations in the Judea & Samaria. The airstrike, a testament to the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, has been both lauded for its precision and scrutinized due to reported civilian casualties.
Read more: IDF Strike On Hamas Base Eliminates Key Leaders; Civilian Losses Investigated
