Israel-Hamas conflict escalates: 16 casualties in retaliatory strike in Rafah as Netanyahu refuses truce | Latest updates | Global News

In the latest escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, medics and first responders in Gaza reported that 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the southern city of Rafah. This retaliation came after Hamas rockets killed three Israeli soldiers earlier in the day.

The airstrikes in Rafah resulted in the deaths of seven members from one family and nine from another. Medical sources confirmed that there were two separate strikes at different locations in the city. Additionally, Israeli forces responded with intensified airstrikes following the Hamas rocket attacks.

Furthermore, an Israeli airstrike in south Lebanon led to the deaths of four civilians and injuries to several others in Mays al Jabal. This strike occurred as residents were inspecting damage from previous attacks.

In response to the escalating conflict, Israel ordered the closure of Qatar’s Al Jazeera offices, accusing the network of being a ‘mouthpiece of Hamas’. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also rejected international pressure to halt the Gaza conflict, stating that “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone.”

The United Nations has accused Israel of obstructing humanitarian access in Gaza, warning of a severe famine in the region. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the violence in Gaza and urged member nations to impose sanctions on Israel to end the conflict.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation in the region remains volatile, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.