Rafah’s Struggle Persists as Israel Increases the Intensity
People in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip were dealing with the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes that hit seven locations in the southern border town. The strikes, which occurred on Thursday, targeted a mosque and a residential building, resulting in the death of four individuals. The Gaza Strip, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people, has faced extreme overcrowding, mainly due to displacement caused by the ongoing conflict.
The Shabour refugee camp bore the brunt of the damage, with many buildings affected. A resident, Marwa Abu Moussa, described the impact, stating, “The mosque they hit destroyed the entire neighborhood.” She highlighted families’ challenges, especially those with children, in densely populated areas like Al-Shaboura.
The strikes elicited mourners gathering at the Abu Yousef al-Najjar hospital, where bodies awaited burial. The conflict in the region began when Hamas-led militants entered southern Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. While some of the captives have been released, a significant number remain, and it is estimated that about a fourth of the 130 individuals still held may have lost their lives.
The ongoing conflict has led to extensive destruction in the Palestinian territory, with the Gaza Health Ministry estimating over 29,000 Palestinian fatalities. The situation remains complex and challenging, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the consequences.
