Israel retaliates against Rafah following Hamas’ admission of responsibility for deadly rocket attack | Global News

Three Israeli soldiers were killed in a rocket attack claimed by Hamas armed wing near the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, where Palestinian health officials said at least 19 people were killed by Israeli fire on Sunday.

Hamas’s armed wing claimed responsibility for an attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza that Israel said killed three of its soldiers. Israel’s military reported that 10 projectiles were launched from Rafah towards the crossing, prompting its closure to aid trucks entering Gaza.

Following the Hamas attack, an Israeli airstrike hit a house in Rafah, killing three people and injuring several others, according to Palestinian medics. The Israeli military confirmed the counter-strike, targeting the launcher and a nearby military structure.

The escalating violence in Rafah has raised concerns about the impact on humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the civilian population. Israel has vowed to enter the southern Gaza city to flush out Hamas forces, but faces pressure to avoid further casualties.

Ceasefire talks in Cairo have shown little progress as the conflict continues to escalate. The war, which began after a cross-border raid by Hamas, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with thousands killed and wounded.

As the situation in Rafah remains tense, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and urging both sides to exercise restraint to prevent further loss of life.