Israeli Troops Attack Rafah In Battle With Hamas, Dozens Killed

JAKARTA - Israeli forces (IDF) attacked Rafah in southern Gaza, killing 32 Palestinians as soldiers engaged in close combat with Hamas militants.

Tanks broke into the western and northern parts of the city, after taking control of the eastern, southern and central parts. Israeli troops fired fire from planes, tanks and ships off the coast, forcing a new wave of refugees out of the city, which has accommodated more than one million refugees.

Reported by Reuters on Friday, June 21, Palestinian health officials said 12 Palestinians were killed in Manawas in western Rafah in an attack on refugee tents.

Palestinian health officials said 32 Palestinians were killed in Israeli military attacks separately on Friday, June 21.

The Israeli military said they were investigating reports of attacks in Mawasi and separate incidents in Gaza City.

Israel insists its forces are taking "precise and intelligence-based" actions in the Rafah region, where troops engage in close combat and find tunnels used by militants.

Several Rafah residents said the rate of Israeli attacks had increased in the past two days. They said the sound of explosions and gunfire, which signaled a fierce battle, was almost endless.

Last night was one of the worst nights in the western Rafah. Drones, planes, tanks, and naval vessels bombarded the area. We feel the invaders are trying to fully control the city, "said Hatem, 45, who was contacted via text message.

They received fierce attacks from resistance fighters, who might slow them down.