16 Palestinians killed as Israel’s offensive in Rafah intensifies | World News

Israeli strikes on Rafah have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians, according to first responders on Tuesday. The escalation of fighting in the southern Gaza city has left residents in fear and seeking refuge in squalid tent camps and war-ravaged areas.

The incursion launched by Israel in early May has forced nearly 1 million people to flee from Rafah, many of whom were already displaced due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The situation has drawn concern from the United States and other allies of Israel, who have warned against a full-fledged offensive in the city.

Despite international scrutiny and calls to halt the offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead, citing the need to dismantle Hamas and rescue hostages taken in a previous attack.

The latest strikes in Rafah have caused widespread devastation, with reports of heavy bombardment in various parts of the city. The Palestinian Civil Defence and the Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed that 16 people were killed in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood.

Residents described a night of horror, with constant sounds of explosions and fighter jets flying overhead. Many families have been forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in overcrowded areas, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Medical facilities in Tel al-Sultan have been taken out of service due to intense bombing nearby, leaving medics, patients, and displaced people trapped. With Gaza’s hospitals struggling to function and reports of famine in parts of the territory, the situation in Rafah continues to deteriorate.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a high number of casualties and displacement, with no immediate resolution in sight. The international community remains concerned about the escalating violence and its impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.