Israeli forces killed at least 38 Palestinians on Thursday in air and ground bombardments throughout the Gaza Strip, in addition to fighting hand-to-hand combat with Hamas militants in areas of the southern city of Rafah.
This was reported by health officials and media outlets that respond to the authority of the jihadist group. Israeli tanks advanced southeast of Rafah, approached the western district of Jibna and continued operating in three eastern suburbs, according to residents.
“The occupation (Israeli forces) are trying to advance further west, they are on the edge of Jibna, which is densely populated. They have not invaded it yet,” said one resident, who asked not to be named.
“We hear explosions and see black smoke coming from the areas that the army has invaded. It has been another very difficult night,” said the source.
Simultaneous Israeli assaults on the northern and southern edges of Gaza this month sparked a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing their homes, and blocked major aid access routes, raising the risk of famine.
Israel felt it had no choice but to attack Rafah to wipe out the last battalions of Hamas fighters it believes are sheltering there.
“Hamas is in Rafah, Hamas has been holding our hostages in Rafah, that is why our forces are maneuvering in Rafah. We are doing it selectively and precisely,” Israeli chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement on Thursday. .
