Israeli military personnel make progress towards the heart of Rafah.
The military shared that they've increased their actions in Gaza Strip's heart and performed airstrikes, resulting in the death of several terrorists. These individuals were operating near Israeli troops. Further specifics were not shared at the moment. The military had earlier disclosed that in the course of their offensive in Rafah since May, roughly 300 Hamas members were killed.
In response to global rebuke, Israel had started a conflict in Rafah on May 7. This region was housing a million Palestinians fleeing from conflict. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that close to a million people have exited the city since then.
The periodic fighting between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist group as per the United States and the European Union, has been continuing for over seven months. Hamas orchestrated a gigantic assault on Israel on October 7, leading to 1189 casualties, as per Israeli estimations. Furthermore, 252 individuals were abducted and transported to Gaza Strip, out of whom 121 are still in custody as per Israeli estimations.
In reaction to this massive attack, Israel had unfolded an extensive military operation in Gaza Strip. As per the last figures from the Health Ministry in Gaza, approximately 36,200 people were killed.
As the ongoing truce talks and the liberation of hostages in Gaza Strip continue, Hamas has solidified its attitude towards the discussions. They're not keen to join the talks until Israel ceases its assault in Gaza Strip. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh clarified on Friday that the two key demands of the Islamists - a constant truce and a full Israeli disengagement - are non-negotiable.
Israel had granted permission for the negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire in Gaza Strip and hostage release the previous week. For months, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been making efforts to facilitate a deal, but without success.
