Residents reported that Israel targeted one of the largest residential towers in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. This strike occurred on Saturday, as Israel escalated pressure on the last area of the enclave it has not yet invaded. Over a million displaced Palestinians are currently seeking shelter in this area.
The 12-storey building, situated approximately 500 metres from the Egyptian border, sustained damage from the strike. While dozens of families were left homeless, fortunately, no casualties were reported. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident.
Residents of the tower stated that Israel issued a 30-minute warning before the strike, prompting a chaotic evacuation. One resident, Mohammad Al-Nabrees, described the scene as people rushed to leave the building, leaving behind their belongings and money. Among those evacuating was a pregnant woman who stumbled down the stairs during the panicked escape.
A Fatah party official based in Rafah expressed concerns that the tower’s targeting could indicate an impending Israeli invasion. The ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly 31,000 Palestinian deaths and over 72,500 injuries, with thousands trapped under rubble.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated into a humanitarian catastrophe, with much of the territory reduced to rubble. The United Nations has warned of disease and starvation, as most of the 2.3 million residents have been displaced. The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for an end to hostilities to facilitate aid distribution in Gaza.
Efforts to establish a maritime aid corridor between Cyprus and Gaza are underway, with plans for the U.S. military to set up a temporary pier on Gaza’s coast for aid shipments. However, skepticism remains among Palestinians regarding these aid initiatives amidst the ongoing conflict.
Source link
