Israeli tanks have reached the center of Rafah for the first time, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a ground operation in Rafah three weeks ago, aiming to neutralize arms smuggling tunnels along the Philadelphi Route from Egypt. Eyewitnesses, residents, and the army confirm the presence of tanks in the heart of Rafah, despite increasing global scrutiny and condemnation of the assault. The United Nations reports that nearly a million Palestinians have fled Rafah in the past three weeks. This military advance follows a deadly strike on a camp on Sunday, which resulted in charred remains and further heightened tensions in the region. IDF also advances along the Philadelphi Route, according to NBC News' crew in Gaza.
Israeli tanks roll into center Rafah as IDF says secondary blast sparked deadly blaze Israel was able to enter Rafah center after starting the operation weeks ago following months of anticipation about a potential invasion of the city. Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/P9KgPU3q0i
LATEST: Israeli tanks reach the center of Rafah for the first time, according to NBC News' crew in Gaza, despite mounting global condemnation, as Palestinians search through charred remains following Sunday's deadly camp strike. https://t.co/lWlb5kdkkY
IDF tanks seen reaching central Rafah, as troops operate along key Philadelphi Route https://t.co/b5pCSyFumt
Israeli tanks enter Rafah for first time in Gaza war https://t.co/7Bq6IxUoZa https://t.co/S1ThhGS1VI
🔺NEW: Israeli tanks have reached the centre of Rafah for the first time. Eyewitnesses on Tuesday reported seeing tanks advancing into central areas, three weeks after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) began a ground operation in the southern Gazan city ⬇️ https://t.co/MkHLCASlDk
Israeli tanks reported in heart of Rafah, as military campaign in Gaza intensifies Follow live https://t.co/ks8L5LbUbS
Tanks reach Rafah’s center as Israel presses assault despite global scrutiny https://t.co/JCf8Zj0cIW via @rapplerdotcom
Reports from Gaza: Israeli tanks reach center of Rafah, IDF also advances along Philadelphi Route to neutralize arms smuggling tunnels from Egypt; UN says nearly million Palestinians left Rafah in past 3 weeks. via @N12News & @IsraelHayomHeb
#BREAKING Israeli tanks enter to the center of Rafah city, troops are engaged in battles with Hamas: residents, army