Israeli Tanks Encircle Eastern Half of Rafah Amid Intense Fighting with Hamas

 

In a significant development, Israeli tanks have captured the main road dividing the eastern and western halves of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. This move effectively encircles the entire eastern side of the city. Residents have reported almost constant explosions and gunfire east and northeast of Rafah, with intense fighting between Israeli forces and militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Hamas has confirmed that it ambushed Israeli tanks near a mosque in the eastern part of the city, indicating that the Israelis have penetrated several kilometers from the east to the outskirts of the built-up area. Israel has ordered civilians out of the eastern half of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands of people to seek shelter outside the city. Previously, Rafah was the last refuge for more than a million who fled other parts of the enclave during the war. The battle puts hundreds of thousands of already displaced civilians in harm’s way, according to aid agencies.

The Israeli military has reported locating several tunnel shafts in eastern Rafah and engaging in close-quarters combat with groups of Hamas fighters. Israeli jets have also targeted sites from which rockets and mortars were fired towards Israel in recent days. The encirclement of the “red zone,” where residents have been ordered to evacuate, is now complete. This situation has strained relations between Israel and its closest ally, the United States, which has blocked shipments of weapons to Israel for the first time since the war began.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will “fight with our fingernails” if necessary, expressing hope that disagreements with President Joe Biden can be overcome. The situation in Rafah remains tense, and the international community closely watches the unfolding events in this conflict-ridden region.