UNRWA, the United Nations’ refugee agency operating in Palestine, has said it has received “horrific reports” about its facilities in Jabalia, northern Gaza, as Israel continues to expand its military operation in Rafah.
The last weeks we've received horrific reports from @UNRWA facilities in Jabalia north #Gaza Displaced people- incl. children- reportedly killed & injured sheltering in our school, besieged by IDF tanks Tents of people sheltering at our school reportedly set on fire by IDF. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/cHRcgVa9O1
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 31, 2024
“Displaced people, including children, reportedly killed and injured sheltering in our school, besieged by IDF (Israeli army) tanks. Tents of people sheltering at our school reportedly set on fire by IDF,” the agency said in a post on Twitter/X.
UNRWA also said it received reports of its office being hit and destroyed in air strikes, as well bulldozed by Israeli forces.
It comes as the Israeli military said that its troops in central Rafah have uncovered Hamas rocket launchers and tunnels as its ground offensive continues.
Israeli forces are operating in central parts of Rafah as part of an expanding military operation in the southernmost city in Gaza.
In a statement on Friday, the Israeli military said that its troops in central Rafah have uncovered Hamas rocket launchers and tunnels and dismantled a weapons storage centre.
Israel launched its ground assault into the city on May 6 and has mainly been operating in its eastern districts and close to the border with Egypt.
This week, it also moved into the city’s western district of Tel al-Sultan, where heavy clashes with Hamas fighters have been reported by witnesses.
Friday’s statement did not specify where in central Rafah the operations were taking place, but previous statements and witness reports have pointed to raids in the Shaboura refugee camp and other sites near the city centre.
More than one million Palestinians have fled the city since the assault began, scattering around southern and central Gaza.
At least 36,284 Palestinians have been killed and 82,057 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, its Health Ministry says.
The ministry added that 60 people were killed and 280 injured in the latest 24-hour reporting period.
