In a recent escalation of violence, Israel's attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah has expanded from airstrikes to ground operations. New satellite images obtained by CNN from Planet Labs provide a glimpse into the ongoing conflict.

The satellite images, spanning from May 5 to 7, reveal the presence of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) outside of the immediate border crossing area between Egypt and Gaza. Some buildings have been bulldozed, indicating the advancement of IDF ground forces. These operations have penetrated more than a mile into the Palestinian enclave from the Rafah crossing gate.

The ground operations come after a series of airstrikes on Rafah, which have resulted in the complete destruction of several buildings in the past 24 hours. Local hospitals have reported at least four casualties, while smoke continues to rise from targeted locations. Disturbing footage obtained by CNN shows the traumatized streets of Rafah, with injured residents seeking medical assistance, including children carried in the arms of panicked individuals.

Rafah has become a central focal point in Israel's war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from the extreme wing of his coalition to launch a full-scale ground operation aimed at destroying Hamas. On the other hand, the more moderate wing urges him to prioritize securing a ceasefire-for-hostages deal.

Throughout the conflict, over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, where Hamas is believed to have regrouped. Recently, Israel's military issued a call for residents in the eastern part of Rafah to evacuate immediately, prompting a wave of fleeing citizens.

The IDF claims to be conducting a precise counterterrorism operation in specific areas of eastern Rafah, including targeted raids. Footage released by the IDF shows its soldiers conducting operational raids on suspicious buildings near areas where they were allegedly fired upon by Hamas militants. The IDF asserts that it has eliminated around 30 terrorists and destroyed significant amounts of terrorist infrastructure during these operations.

According to reports from Palestinian authorities in Gaza, at least 35 people have died in Rafah since Monday evening, including seven women and nine children. The World Food Programme has also warned of a "full-blown famine" in northern Gaza, which is rapidly spreading across the strip. Aid agencies have cautioned Israel against launching a full-scale ground invasion, citing the potential for greater suffering and casualties among the already displaced population in and around Rafah.

As the conflict continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and the impact it will have on the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.