Israeli Tanks Penetrate Neighborhoods in Rafah

Palestinian paramedics indicated today, Wednesday, that "Israeli tanks, supported by warplanes and drones, have further penetrated the western areas of the city of Rafah, resulting in the death of eight individuals." Residents reported that "the tanks advanced into five neighborhoods after midnight, and the tents of displaced families in the al-Mawasi area of western Gaza faced heavy shelling and gunfire." Paramedics and media affiliated with "Hamas" stated that "eight Palestinians were killed in al-Mawasi, and many families fled north in a state of panic." The identities of the deceased were not specified. The Israeli army stated that it is reviewing the report. Residents noted that "the Israeli army has demolished several homes in western Rafah, which had housed over half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million before last month when Israel began its ground offensive, forcing most residents to head north." Some Palestinian estimates and United Nations figures indicate that fewer than 100,000 people remain in Rafah.