In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, ten people were killed in Israeli strikes in Rafah, according to officials from the Hamas-run health ministry. The strikes targeted a house sheltering two displaced families and were part of a wave of attacks that claimed the lives of 135 people in the past 24 hours.

Rafah, a southern city in Gaza, has seen its population grow to over a million as displaced people from other parts of the territory seek safety there. The influx of people has overwhelmed the already strained infrastructure and medical services in the city, leaving them unable to cope with the needs of an estimated 1.3 million displaced individuals.

Residents of Rafah witnessed the devastating impact of the Israeli bombardment firsthand. Samir Qeshta, a resident, described his home as being "completely destroyed" while he and his wife were away. Nimma al-Akhras, another resident, was at home when the strikes began.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were investigating the reports of civilian casualties. Israel maintains that it is targeting Hamas members and their infrastructure while attempting to minimize civilian casualties.

In the midst of the escalating violence, the healthcare system in Rafah is on the brink of collapse. Doctors in the city's Nasser hospital reported shortages of medical supplies and equipment, with most intensive care unit beds empty. The hospital is also serving as a shelter for many displaced individuals.

The World Health Organization warned that fewer than half of Gaza's hospitals are functioning adequately, and very few ambulances are operational across the territory. The Hamas-run health ministry confirmed the dire situation, adding that the healthcare system is unable to meet the needs of the increasing number of displaced individuals.

In addition to Rafah, intense fighting, including gun battles, tank shelling, and Israeli airstrikes, was reported in the Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip. The Israeli military claimed to have hit several targets and killed numerous fighters in these densely populated areas.

The current escalation began after hundreds of Hamas gunmen infiltrated southern Israeli communities from Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,300 people and the hostage-taking of around 240 others. Israel launched its military campaign in response to these attacks.

On Sunday, an Al Jazeera journalist and a freelancer were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah. The BBC cannot independently verify the battlefield claims made by either side.

With the conflict intensifying, there are growing concerns about a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Qatar has stepped in to help facilitate a deal between Israel and Hamas after families of hostages raised alarm.

As the situation in Gaza remains highly volatile, further developments are expected to unfold. The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and address the urgent humanitarian needs of the displaced population.