Israel Expands Assaults in Rafah, Dozens Killed in Gaza Strikes
Gaza (Quds News Network)- Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced an expansion of assaults in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, medical sources reported that 21 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on central and southern Gaza, most of them are women and children.
Israeli helicopters continued firing at areas in Khan Younis and Rafah. Dozens of families trapped in northern Rafah’s Khirbet Al-Adas called for international intervention.
Katz stated that Israeli forces aim to seize large areas of Gaza and integrate them into what he called “security zones.” He confirmed plans for large-scale expulsions against civilians. He urged Gazans to “eliminate Hamas” and secure the release of Israeli prisoners, claiming this was the only way to end the genocide.
According to Israeli Army Radio, the ground offensive in Rafah is currently led by the 36th Armored Division. Among its units is the Golani Brigade, returning to Gaza after over a year of operations on the northern border. The division reportedly moved south ten days ago in preparation for the current assault.
The Israeli prisoners families forum criticized the government’s strategy, saying it was sending more troops into Gaza instead of negotiating a prisoner exchange. Families expressed fear following the announcement of expanded operations.
Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling continued across Gaza since early Wednesday. Medical sources confirmed dozens of deaths, including women and children.
In Khan Younis, Israeli attacks on a home killed 12 Palestinians and injured several others. Three more Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on farmland northeast of Rafah. Rescue teams recovered their bodies and transferred them to Gaza European Hospital.
Israeli forces ordered all Rafah residents to evacuate. Fighter jets also bombed the already-destroyed Indonesian Mosque in eastern Khan Younis.
In central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house. Another strike on a tent sheltering displaced people in Deir al-Balah killed one and injured others.
Israeli artillery continued to shell Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, alongside attacks on the al-Zaytoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City. Israeli forces have been advancing west of Beit Lahia for two weeks, razing land and firing at civilians. Helicopters also opened fire on people searching for firewood and water in eastern Gaza City.
Since Israel resumed its assault on March 18, at least 1,042 Palestinians have been killed, and 2,542 others wounded, mostly women and children.
The genocide, which began on October 7, 2023, has killed over 164,000 Palestinians and injured thousands more. More than 11,000 remain missing under the rubble.
