In a devastating attack on Thursday, Israeli forces launched aerial and ground bombardments in the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of at least 38 Palestinians. Health officials and Hamas media outlets reported that militants from Hamas engaged in close combat with Israeli forces in parts of the southern city of Rafah.

Residents of Rafah revealed that Israeli tanks were advancing in the southeast region towards the western district of Yibna. Concurrently, Israeli forces continued their operations in three eastern suburbs of Rafah. Concerns grew among residents as the fighting approached the densely populated area of Yibna.

According to eyewitness accounts, heavy explosions and billowing black smoke could be seen rising from the areas where the Israeli army had entered. The situation was described as extremely difficult by a resident who spoke to Reuters via a chat app.

The ongoing assaults on both the northern and southern edges of Gaza have led to a new wave of displaced Palestinians, with hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes. Unfortunately, these attacks have also severed the main access routes for aid, exacerbating the risk of famine within the region.

Israel initiated this assault on Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In the subsequent fighting, Israeli strikes in Gaza have left more than 35,000 people dead, with fears that thousands more may be buried under the rubble, as stated by Gaza health authorities.

Israeli forces claim that their actions in Rafah are aimed at rooting out the remaining Hamas fighters who they believe are seeking refuge there. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli chief military spokesman, stated that the military is conducting targeted and precise operations in order to neutralize Hamas in the area. They have also urged Gazan civilians to temporarily evacuate to designated humanitarian areas to ensure their safety.

UNRWA, the main United Nations agency in Gaza, estimates that since May, over 800,000 people have fled Rafah due to Israeli targeting, despite international pleas for restraint. Unfortunately, many civilians remain stuck in the city, facing dire conditions and the constant threat of violence.

In addition to the operations in Rafah, Israeli forces have intensified their ground offensive in Jabalia and launched strikes on nearby Beit Hanoun. The military claims that these measures are necessary to prevent Hamas from regrouping in these areas, despite Israel announcing major operations there months ago.

Tragically, a senior Hamas security official, Diaa Aldeen Al-Shurafa, was killed in an Israeli strike while touring residential districts of Gaza City. The interior ministry in Hamas-run Gaza confirmed his death.

The fighting on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers, bringing the total military casualties since the incursions began on October 20 to 286 soldiers. As the conflict continues, both Palestinian and Israeli communities are left to grapple with the devastating consequences and uncertain future of the region.