Israel: We are carrying out operations based on intelligence information in Rafah

As international efforts continue to push for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Israeli army announced that its forces are conducting "precise operations based on intelligence information" in the city of Rafah in the southern part of the Strip. The army clarified on Friday that its soldiers participated in combat near the tunnels used by Hamas militants. Eyewitnesses reported that tanks made their way to the west and north of the city, having already taken control of the east, south, and center. They also noted that Israeli forces fired from aircraft, tanks, and ships, causing a new wave of displacement from the city, which had previously sheltered over a million displaced persons. Palestinian residents stated that the Israelis appeared to be trying to complete their control over the city at the far southern end of the Strip, which has been a focal point of the Israeli assault since early May.