Israeli forces are expanding military operations in and around Rafah, forcing an estimated 300,000 people to flee the city.
Israeli forces have warned civilians to evacuate Rafah ahead of a wider ground offensive, while the United Nations warns food supplies will run out as early as today.
"Our war is against Hamas and not the people of Gaza," Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top Israeli military spokesman, said in a video update on X.
“Over the last few days alone, we were all reminded why our pursuit against Hamas is vital…”
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2024
🔴Watch an operational update from IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari about the IDF’s precise operation in Rafah: pic.twitter.com/OF0TTM9tmy
Fighting was continuing across Gaza on Sunday.
Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment overnight in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp and other areas in the northern Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported.
"It was a very difficult night," said Abdel-Kareem Radwan, in Jabaliya. "This is madness."
Israel announced that a new field hospital was established and began operating in the area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.
The Israel Defesne Forces claims it will be used to increase humanitarian aid efforts and ensure aid reaches the Gazan civilians that were relocated from eastern Rafah.
A new field hospital was established and began operating in the area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. This was done in coordination with @cogatonline to increase humanitarian aid efforts and ensure aid reaches the Gazan civilians that were relocated from eastern Rafah.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2024
The… pic.twitter.com/mIICqHdHqt
In Tel Aviv on Saturday, protesters clashed with police officers during a demonstration calling for a hostages deal with Hamas and against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Some Israelis are pushing for a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Israel invaded Gaza in response to a Hamas attack on Oct. 7 that left more than 1,000 people dead and hundreds more dragged back into Gaza as hostages.
