Live Coverage: Dozens Dead in Israeli Airstrike on Rafah in Israel-Hamas Conflict

In a tragic turn of events, at least 35 people were killed and dozens were injured in Gaza after multiple Israeli rockets struck Rafah, a city controlled by Hamas. The strikes targeted Hamas militants, but the Gaza health ministry reported that many children and women were among the casualties.

The Israeli military claimed that the strike was based on “precise intelligence” and targeted two “senior” Hamas officials responsible for operations in the West Bank. This incident occurred just two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operations to protect civilians.

In response to the Israeli airstrikes, Hamas fired at least eight rockets from Rafah towards central Israel, targeting Tel Aviv for the first time in months. This escalation of violence has further exacerbated the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Despite efforts to provide aid to Gaza, the situation remains dire. Approximately 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread, and parts of the territory are experiencing famine. The crossing into Gaza has been mostly inaccessible due to the ongoing offensive by Israel in Rafah, making it difficult for humanitarian groups to deliver much-needed aid, including medical supplies.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the deaths of nearly 36,000 Palestinians, with no distinction between civilians and fighters in the count. The international community continues to condemn the violence and calls for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.