GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israeli airstrikes in Rafah have caused fear and devastation among the 1.4 million Palestinians living in the area. The city was targeted as part of an Israeli army mission to rescue two hostages, resulting in massive casualties and widespread destruction. The attacks have left 164 people dead and 200 wounded in the past 24 hours, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, shocking a population that has spent months fleeing from bombings.
Rafah residents are now crowded into houses, tents, and even sleeping on the streets, relying on humanitarian aid to survive. Many are disconnected from loved ones due to spotty cellular connections and lack of electricity. This has led to a desperate situation in which people are struggling to find safety and stability in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
The recent Israeli incursion into Rafah has raised alarms not only among local residents but also on an international level. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has expressed concerns about the military operation in Rafah, urging Israel to have a concrete plan for civilian protection and sustenance. However, Israeli officials argue that pursuing Hamas militants into Rafah is necessary in order to complete their fight against the group.
The escalating violence has forced thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes, with Israeli forces giving conflicting directives about safe areas. Many are left with no choice but to move from one precarious situation to another in an effort to survive. As the conflict rages on, the people of Gaza continue to face impossible decisions as they search for safety and stability.