Israeli Tanks Reach Centre of Rafah Amid Global Condemnation

Israeli tanks reached the center of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, marking a significant advancement in the three-week ground operation in the southern Gaza city. Witnesses reported the presence of Israeli tanks near the Al-Awda mosque, a central landmark in Rafah, as the Israeli military continued its operations in the area.

Overnight airstrikes and tank fire pounded the city, despite international condemnation following an attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians, including children, women, and the elderly. The escalation in violence has led to a total of 26 more casualties in Rafah, according to officials in the Hamas-run enclave.

Witnesses observed gun battles between Israeli troops and Hamas-led fighters in the Zurub area, as Israeli tanks pushed towards western neighborhoods and took positions on the Zurub hilltop. The Israeli military appeared to have deployed remote-operated armored vehicles in the area.

The conflict in Rafah has forced around one million people to flee the area since early May, as Israel continues its offensive despite a recent ruling by the top U.N. court ordering a halt to the assault. In response to the ongoing violence, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have announced their official recognition of a Palestinian state, aiming to expedite efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 36,000 Palestinians, with Israel justifying its offensive as a means to root out Hamas fighters in Rafah and rescue hostages allegedly held in the area. The situation remains tense as the conflict shows no signs of abating, with global scrutiny intensifying on Israel’s actions in the region.