Residents report Israeli tanks reentering Northern Gaza and warplanes striking Rafah
CAIRO—Israeli tanks reentered parts of the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday after previously leaving, with warplanes conducting air strikes on Rafah in the south, as reported by medics and residents.
Residents noted an internet outage in Beit Hanoun and Jabalia in northern Gaza. Tanks advanced into Beit Hanoun and surrounded schools where displaced families sought refuge, according to residents and media outlets linked to Hamas.
One resident of northern Gaza informed Reuters via a chat app, “Occupation soldiers instructed families within the schools and nearby houses where the tanks had advanced to evacuate. The soldiers detained numerous men.”
Last October, Beit Hanoun, home to 60,000 people, was heavily targeted by Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza, transforming the once vibrant area into ruins.
Many families who had recently returned to Beit Hanoun and Jabalia began leaving again due to the renewed raid, some residents mentioned.
Palestinian health officials confirmed casualties in Rafah from Israeli strikes, with a planned ground offensive into the city looming.
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An Israeli airstrike in Rafah before midnight resulted in casualties, while an additional strike in Rafah later on killed seven people, including children. The Hamas-run interior ministry reported seven police officers killed in a strike in Gaza City.
Terrorists Targeted
Despite ongoing talks for a ceasefire deal in Gaza led by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. backing, no breakthrough has occurred after six months of conflict.
The Israeli military confirmed operations in central Gaza and eliminated terrorists attempting to attack them. They also mentioned destroying terrorist infrastructure and tunnels.
Residents in Al-Nusseirat refugee camp reported Israeli bombings on residential buildings. The UN human rights office criticized Israel for imposing restrictions on humanitarian relief for Gaza.
Israel is under pressure to allow more aid into Gaza as famine is predicted in the northern region by May. Aid flows remain under dispute between Israel, Washington, and U.N. agencies.
The Palestinian health ministry reported casualties from Israeli fire since October, with Israel launching its offensive after Hamas attacked, resulting in casualties and hostages.
