Israeli strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah overnight resulted in the tragic loss of 13 lives, including nine children, as reported by health officials on Sunday. The United States is poised to approve additional military aid to Israel, its close ally, amidst escalating violence in the region.
Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population has sought refuge, has been a frequent target of Israeli air raids. Despite international calls for restraint, Israel has indicated its intention to expand its ground offensive to the city on the border with Egypt.
The recent strikes in Rafah claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including children and women. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a devastating toll on the Palestinian population, with over 34,000 reported deaths and widespread destruction across Gaza.
The ongoing war has triggered regional unrest, with Israel and the U.S. facing off against Iran and allied militant groups. Tensions have also flared in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where violent incidents have further fueled the conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with experts warning of a looming famine as a result of the conflict. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, adding to the already dire conditions in the besieged coastal enclave.
The toll of the conflict is staggering, with thousands of lives lost and many more injured. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight as both sides continue to engage in hostilities.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's coverage.