DaysofPal – Israeli forces have intensified their military operations in the southern Gaza Strip, advancing beyond Rafah into Khan Younis as part of a broader campaign across the enclave.
Three Israeli divisions are now pushing deep into Gaza City and the north, while the southern front has seen a significant escalation in ground operations.
Commandos from Israel’s Etzioni Brigade have reportedly combed through the ruins of Rafah over recent weeks, claiming to have “attacked and killed dozens of terrorists” and destroyed remaining infrastructure.
Following operations in Rafah, Israeli forces immediately moved into the Khan Younis area, separated from Rafah by a military corridor, to continue their offensive.
The southern campaign has been accompanied by heavy air and artillery strikes. Israeli aircraft targeted Rafah overnight, while artillery bombarded al-Magrafa in central Gaza and areas south of Deir al-Balah.
Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli army said its air force had carried out more than 170 airstrikes across Gaza, claiming the targets were used for military purposes.
Medical workers and field reports, however, confirm that many of the strikes hit civilian homes, hospitals, schools, and aid distribution centers, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
Forces from Israel’s 162nd Division have also conducted operations deep inside Gaza City, targeting infrastructure that the army claims was used for ambushes against Israeli troops.
The humanitarian impact of the invasion is severe. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that thousands of families in Gaza City have been displaced, facing acute shortages of food and aid. Medical teams struggle to operate due to restrictions and a lack of equipment needed to rescue people trapped under rubble.
The complete closure of Rafah has forced thousands of displaced people to move to Khan Younis, where basic necessities remain scarce. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) confirmed that Gaza endured “another difficult night,” noting that a significant number of children were killed and injured during the ongoing strikes.
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