Tanks seen near Gaza border as Israel vows to press ahead with Rafah ground operation
The conflict in Gaza has escalated as Israel continues its ground operation in the southern city of Rafah, despite calls from the US and other allies to refrain from further military action. Tanks have been spotted near the Gaza border as Israel vows to press ahead with its offensive in the region.
Last week, the US paused a shipment of weapons to Israel in response to the escalating situation in Rafah. An anonymous US official revealed that the Biden administration had reviewed proposed transfers of weapons to Israel that could be used in Rafah and decided to halt one shipment as a result.
The UK and other allies have also urged Israel to exercise restraint in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are trapped and seeking refuge. The area has become the last remaining stronghold in the Gaza Strip untouched by Israeli ground forces.
With most of Gaza already devastated by the conflict, residents of Rafah have nowhere else to go and are facing dire circumstances. The 401st Brigade of the Israeli military has taken control of the area, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
The Gaza health ministry has reported a staggering death toll of at least 34,844 Palestinians killed and 78,404 injured since the conflict began on October 7. The situation in Rafah has been described as a “fire of hell” by residents, as Israeli tanks seize the border crossing and continue their offensive operations.
As the conflict rages on, the United Nations has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with aid being choked off and civilians suffering the consequences of the ongoing violence. Ceasefire talks are ongoing, but the situation on the ground remains dire.
Russia has also weighed in on the conflict, stating that there is currently no prospect for a peace settlement in Gaza or the wider Middle East. The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel’s operation in Rafah, calling it a humanitarian catastrophe.
Despite international condemnation and calls for de-escalation, the Israeli military has continued its offensive in Rafah, claiming to have eliminated 20 Hamas terrorists and located several terror tunnels in the area. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.