Rosalind Evans
Israeli Tanks Enter Central Rafah
On Tuesday, Israeli military tanks were observed in the center of Rafah, marking the first sighting of such vehicles since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated operations in Gaza’s southernmost city earlier this month. Eyewitnesses Alaa Abu Ibrahim and Salma AlKadoomi confirmed the presence of the tanks to CNN. AlKadoomi noted, “These vehicles advanced in the middle of the night.”
Rising Casualties and International Concerns
This development follows a deadly Israeli strike on a camp in Rafah, which killed dozens of displaced Palestinians. Two additional Israeli attacks on Tuesday resulted in at least 29 more Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza authorities. The Biden administration has expressed concerns over the civilian toll, with President Joe Biden threatening to halt American weapon shipments to Israel if a large-scale invasion occurs without ensuring civilian safety.
Strategic Objectives and Ongoing Operations
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, stated that the military’s operations in Rafah are “targeted” and “precise.” He emphasized, “There are still Hamas battalions in Rafah. A couple of days ago, launchers from Rafah fired (rockets) at Tel Aviv.” The IDF has been active since May 7, crossing the Philadelphia Corridor and seizing the Palestinian side of the border with Egypt. Hagari mentioned, “Today and the day before, we’ve again detected tunnels along the Philadelphi Corridor.”
Impact on Displacement Camps
Palestinian officials reported significant casualties in displacement camps due to Israeli strikes. A strike at Tal al-Sultan camp killed at least eight people and damaged a nearby UN warehouse. Another strike in Al-Mawasi killed 21 people, including 13 women. The IDF denied targeting humanitarian areas in Al-Mawasi, stating, “Contrary to the reports… the IDF did not strike in the humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi.”
Investigation into Civilian Casualties
The IDF is investigating a Sunday strike that killed 45 people in a Rafah camp. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the civilian casualties a “tragic error.” Hagari noted, “Our munitions alone could not have ignited a fire of this size.” The IDF is exploring the possibility that stored weapons ignited the fire.
Global Reaction and Legal Implications
Despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering an immediate halt to the military operation, Israel has continued its advance into Rafah. The UN and several European allies have urged Israel to comply with the ICJ’s binding order.
The situation in Rafah remains dire as Israeli forces push deeper into the city, facing international pressure to cease operations. The civilian toll continues to rise, raising urgent concerns about humanitarian impacts and the need for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of non-combatants.
