Three Israeli soldiers lost their lives in a rocket attack claimed by Hamas’ armed wing near Rafah, in southern Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported at least 19 casualties from Israeli fire on the same day. Hamas claimed responsibility for an attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing, resulting in Israel closing the crossing to aid trucks entering Gaza, although other crossings remained operational.
Hamas’ armed wing stated they targeted an Israeli army base near the crossing but did not specify the launch location, clarifying that the commercial crossing wasn’t their intended target. The conflict escalated as an Israeli airstrike hit a house in Rafah, killing three and injuring several. Subsequently, another airstrike resulted in the deaths of nine Palestinians, including an infant, in Rafah.
Israel has expressed intentions to enter southern Gaza to remove Hamas forces but faces pressure due to potential humanitarian consequences. Ceasefire talks in Cairo have become less promising amidst these escalations.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 34,600 Palestinians have died, with 29 fatalities in the past 24 hours, and over 77,000 wounded due to Israel’s actions.
