On May 29, Israeli tanks entered Rafah, Gaza, continuing an offensive predicted to last all year despite an International Court of Justice order to cease attacks. This raid followed Hamas rocket attacks on Tel Aviv. Israeli forces targeted Tel Al-Sultan and Yibna, temporarily pushing into central Rafah before retreating.
The conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian issues, with 19 civilians killed in recent strikes, and a desperate need for aid. Israel’s control of the Philadelphi Corridor aims to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons. Despite U.S. opposition to a major ground offensive, fighting is expected to continue.
More than 36,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict escalated after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Ceasefire negotiations, mediated by Qatar, face obstacles as Hamas demands an end to the Rafah offensive. The UN reports massive displacement, with a million people fleeing Rafah. Health officials call for urgent aid as malnutrition spreads and medical services collapse.
