Gaza Under Siege: Israel Intensifies Rafah Assault Despite Global Outcry

Wednesday 29 May 2024 - 16:07

The besieged Gaza Strip reels under relentless Israeli bombardment as the military offensive in Rafah escalates, triggering widespread international condemnation. Despite growing calls for restraint, Israeli forces have intensified their aerial and ground assault, pounding even designated "safe zones" where civilians had taken refuge.

Reporting from the heart of the conflict zone, Al Jazeera's correspondent Hani Mahmoud painted a grim picture of the unfolding crisis in Rafah. "The bombardment has increased over the past three days, targeting even designated 'safe' evacuation zones like al-Mawasi and Tal as-Sultan," he said, his voice heavy with concern.

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have denied allegations of targeting a tent camp in al-Mawasi, where 21 displaced Palestinians lost their lives in a tragic strike. However, Mahmoud's eyewitness account contradicts the official narrative, as he reported that Israeli forces have advanced deeper into Rafah, supported by a barrage of heavy artillery and air strikes.

"Bombing is taking place everywhere, not only in Rafah, but also in Khan Younis and the rest of the Strip," Mahmoud stated, underscoring the widespread nature of the offensive.

The Israeli military now controls the Philadelphi Corridor and is pushing into western Rafah, leaving civilians with nowhere to flee as the once-designated safe havens are engulfed in violence. Mahmoud's harrowing account painted a picture of a population under siege, with civilians forced to flee from one bombed-out area to the next, desperately seeking safety amidst the chaos.

The attacks on tent camps housing displaced Palestinians have sparked global outrage, with world leaders and citizens alike condemning the escalating violence. Protests have erupted in major cities, including London and Mexico City, where clashes between police and pro-Palestine demonstrators were reported outside the Israeli embassy.

Saudi Arabia has vehemently condemned the attacks on civilians in Rafah, urging the international community to intervene and halt what it has described as "genocidal massacres." Meanwhile, Algeria is set to propose a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cessation of the Rafah offensive, a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of captives held by Hamas.

In a significant development, Mexico has filed an application with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to support South Africa's stance on the matter, signaling a growing diplomatic rift over the crisis.

As the death toll continues to mount, Gaza's Health Ministry has reported that at least 36,171 Palestinians have been killed and 81,420 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks since October 7. The ministry added that the last 24 hours alone have seen 75 fatalities and 284 injuries, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

With each passing day, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, and the calls for a resolution grow louder. As the world watches in horror, the question remains: How much more bloodshed must be endured before a peaceful resolution can be found?