Intense fighting rages across Gaza as Israeli operation widens.
Fierce clashes broke out across northern and southern regions of Gaza as Israel expanded its military campaign against Hamas militants. Israeli forces pushed deeper into Jabalia refugee camp in the north and Rafah city in the south, penetrating residential areas.
Describing it as a “mop-up” phase, Israel said a return to northern regions aimed to prevent militant re-emergence. However, Palestinians criticized the ongoing need for battles amid previous ruins as evidence of unattainable goals.
Tanks shelled the Jabalia camp center while air strikes destroyed clusters of homes, sending thick smoke over the border. Palestinian officials said 20 bodies have been recovered so far from the overnight bombing in the area.
In Rafah, Israel escalated air and ground bombardment of eastern districts, killing several in an air raid. Orders to evacuate the city sent hundreds of thousands more fleeing, with central areas also cleared.
Residents spoke of the dire situation, with non-stop explosions and tanks cutting off key roads, forcing people to abandon the city. The intensive assault has caused one of Israel’s biggest splits with ally US, with weapon shipments paused for failure to protect civilians.
Over 35,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported, along with widespread destruction triggering a severe humanitarian crisis. While the US ambassador said the current scope remains acceptable, the continued widening of the operation threatens to test strategic ties.
UN estimates show 360,000 internally displaced just from Rafah as violence escalates dangerously across Gaza’s battle-scarred landscapes.
