Israeli tanks have sealed off eastern Rafah, seizing the only road between the enclave and Egypt. The advance completes the encirclement of the “red zone” where Israel has ordered civilians to leave in order to eliminate the remaining Hamas militants in Gaza.
Residents reported hearing continuous gunfire and explosions in the east and northeast of Rafah on May 10, with heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
Hamas said it ambushed Israeli tanks near a mosque east of the city, a sign that Israel had advanced several kilometres east to the city's outskirts.
The Israeli military said forces east of Rafah had identified several tunnels. With the support of air strikes, the Israeli military fought at close range with Hamas militants and suffered casualties.
Israeli tanks are entering the city of Rafah. Photo: Reuters
Israel has ordered civilians to leave the eastern half of Rafah, forcing tens of thousands to seek shelter outside the city. Rafah was the last refuge for more than 1 million people fleeing other devastated areas of the Gaza Strip.
Israel says it must attack Rafah to kill thousands of Hamas fighters there. Aid agencies say the attack will put hundreds of thousands of already displaced civilians in further danger.
"The whole of Rafah is not safe because tank shells have been landing everywhere since yesterday. Not only the east, the army is targeting the whole of Rafah with tank shells and airstrikes," said Abu Hassan, 50, a resident of western Rafah.
“I am trying to leave but I cannot afford to buy a tent for my family,” he said. “More and more people are moving out of Rafah, even from the western areas, even though those areas are not considered red zones.”
This week's attack on Rafah has caused a major rift between Israel and the United States, which has announced restrictions on military aid to its ally. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 9: "If we have to fight with our fingernails, we will do what we have to do."
Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/xe-tang-israel-bao-vay-toan-bo-phia-dong-rafah-giao-tranh-bat-dau-no-ra-post294953.html
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