Israeli Forces Advance Further into Gaza, Encircling Rafah Area
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Synopsis
Israeli forces have intensified their military operations in the Gaza Strip, surrounding the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood in Rafah. The IDF reported significant militant casualties in their efforts to dismantle Hamas' infrastructure, resulting in rising Palestinian death tolls amid the renewed offensive.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli forces have encircled the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood.
- Military operations aim to eliminate Hamas militants.
- Death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,000.
- Renewed offensive has ended a two-month ceasefire.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizes military campaign objectives.
Jerusalem, March 23 (NationPress) Israeli forces intensified their operations in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, announcing that they had completely surrounded the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood located in Rafah, in the southern part of the enclave.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that their troops had encircled the area overnight, resulting in the deaths of several militants and conducting raids on what they characterized as a Hamas command and control centre.
The military stated, “The operation seeks to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and eliminate militants in order to enhance the security zone in southern Gaza.”
Footage released by the IDF showed soldiers advancing in the area accompanied by dogs and armored personnel carriers, firing into damaged structures before entering them.
Videos that circulated on social media depicted women, men, and children fleeing from Rafah, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
A military spokesperson also indicated that Israeli forces initiated operations in Beit Hanoun, located in northern Gaza, over the weekend. “Fighter jets targeted several Hamas sites and terrorist infrastructure,” the spokesperson added.
According to Gaza-based health authorities, hospitals across Gaza received 41 bodies and 61 injured individuals in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll from the ongoing conflict to 50,021.
This renewed Israeli offensive has marked the end of a two-month ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military’s campaign aims to destroy Hamas and ensure the release of remaining hostages.
As reported by Gaza-based health authorities on Sunday, the Palestinian death toll due to continuous Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip has surpassed 50,000.
In the last 24 hours, hospitals received 41 bodies and 61 wounded individuals, bringing the cumulative death toll to 50,021, along with 113,274 injured since the conflict reignited in early October 2023.
Since the recent wave of Israeli airstrikes commenced on March 18, at least 673 individuals have lost their lives and 1,233 have been injured, as per the statement.
