In a significant escalation of tensions, Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets into Israel on Sunday, with several of them originating from the highly contested city of Rafah. The majority of the rockets were successfully intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system, triggering alarms in Tel Aviv and other major cities.

The rocket attack comes as Israeli forces intensify operations in and around Rafah, which they consider the final major stronghold for Hamas in Gaza. In response, Hamas claimed responsibility for the barrage, asserting that it was in retaliation for what they called "Zionist massacres against civilians."

Israel has been facing mounting international pressure to halt its operations in Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million displaced Gazans have sought refuge. To minimize civilian casualties, the Israeli authorities have been urging residents to evacuate areas where military operations against Hamas are taking place.

Rafah, located on the border with Egypt, previously served as a crucial conduit for humanitarian aid. However, Israel recently assumed control of the Gazan side of the border, prompting Egypt to deny further aid access until the Palestinians regain control. An agreement was reached between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and U.S. President Joe Biden during a phone call, diverting aid through Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza's primary cargo terminal.

Over the weekend, hundreds of aid trucks passed through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Nevertheless, United Nations workers encountered difficulties accessing the aid due to heavy fighting in the vicinity. Despite these challenges, the agreement provides a glimmer of hope for the delivery of much-needed assistance to the people of Gaza.

Meanwhile, a "floating pier" constructed by the United States on the Gaza coast suffered damage due to inclement weather. The pier, primarily funded by the U.S. at approximately $320 million, served as a vital channel for aid from multiple countries. Although the pier has facilitated the transfer of 569 metric tons of aid into Gaza, none of it has yet reached the Palestinian population, according to the Pentagon.

As tensions continue to escalate, with rocket attacks and military operations intensifying in Rafah, the need for a swift resolution and humanitarian aid delivery remains crucial. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging a de-escalation of violence to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.