Israeli Military Launches Offensive in Rafah, Gaza; International Concern Mounts Over Civilian Casualties

The Israeli military initiated an offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Sunday, instructing residents to evacuate the Tal al-Sultan district. According to military spokesman Avichay Adraee, the operation aims to strike terrorist organizations. Residents were warned that remaining in the area would endanger their lives. Prior to the renewed offensive, Israel blocked supply routes, alleging that supplies were being diverted to Hamas militants. Following the resumption of military operations in Gaza after a ceasefire of almost two months, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain issued a joint statement on Friday, urging Israel to reinstate the ceasefire and restore access to essential resources such as water, electricity, medical care, and medical evacuations. The ministers also expressed their dismay at the rising civilian casualties resulting from recent Israeli strikes in Gaza.