Israeli forces have intensified their offensive in the Gaza Strip, focusing on the city of Rafah in the southern region.

Tanks and military vehicles have been deployed near the Rafah border crossing, with airstrikes targeting residential areas and densely-populated neighborhoods.

The relentless bombardment has resulted in tragic losses among Palestinian civilians. In the Tel Sultan neighborhood, five Palestinians lost their lives and several others were injured when their home was struck by an Israeli airstrike. Similarly, in another devastating incident, three Palestinians, including a child, were killed in the bombardment of the Abu Amra family's house.

The conflict's impact extended to the Jenina neighborhood, where four Palestinians were martyred in an airstrike on the Al-Hams family's home. Additionally, in Rafah's central administrative district, the Abdel Aal family's home was targeted, resulting in the death of one family member and injuries to several others.

The Israeli military's intensified bombardment of eastern Rafah has been accompanied by reconnaissance flights and flares illuminating the sky. These actions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, especially as Rafah serves as a critical refuge for displaced individuals within the territory.

The Rafah border crossing, a vital lifeline for Gaza's residents, faces threats of closure or disruption due to the ongoing Israeli invasion. The crossing facilitates the delivery of essential aid and the evacuation of the injured, but its operation is now at risk, further impeding humanitarian assistance and medical support to the besieged population. (ILKHA)