Amid escalating tensions, the Israeli military has intensified its ground operations in the Gaza Strip, moving deeper into the Shabura refugee camp in Rafah City. On Thursday, the military announced, “Troops began conducting ground activity in the area of Shabura in Rafah,” adding that they had “dismantled a number of terrorist infrastructure sites” in the region.
Israeli forces continue their advance in northern and central Gaza, following warnings for residents to avoid Salah al-Din Road—the main north-south route—and to travel along the coast instead. The military’s expanded offensive aims to establish a “buffer zone” to separate the northern and southern parts of the enclave.
In a controversial move, Israeli forces targeted the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, which had already halted operations due to fuel shortages and previous strikes. The military alleged that Hamas was using the site as a command and control center to direct attacks against Israeli forces and targets.
The intensification of military activities led to air raid sirens sounding in central and southern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces reported that three rockets were fired from southern Gaza, with one intercepted and the others landing in open areas. Loud explosions were heard in Tel Aviv, but no casualties were immediately reported. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks, stating it was retaliation for Israel’s “massacres against civilians.”
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) issued a stark warning on Thursday. “The worst is yet to come, given the ongoing ground invasion in Gaza,” said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner-general, on social media. He highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, noting that evacuation orders have displaced tens of thousands, and emphasized Israel’s continued blockade of aid to the war-torn enclave.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, with Israel resuming strikes after a brief ceasefire unraveled earlier this week. According to the Gaza media office, the death toll from the renewed Israeli strikes has risen to 591, with 1,042 others wounded.
