The Israeli military said a limited operation in Rafah was aimed at killing fighters and dismantling infrastructure used by Hamas, which governs the besieged Palestinian territory.
Egypt said the Israeli operation in Rafah threatened ceasefire efforts, and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the attack would be deadly for civilians.
“I fear this will again cause many casualties, civilian casualties,” he told reporters. “There are no safe zones in Gaza.”
For weeks, Israel has been threatening to carry out a major incursion into Rafah, which the country says is home to thousands of Hamas fighters and where dozens of hostages are being held. Victory over Hamas is impossible without taking Rafah, according to Israel.
A total of 34,789 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in the conflict, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
The war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping about 250 others, 133 of whom are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, according to Israeli records.
Tags: Israeli Armed Forces seize Rafah border post intensify attacks southern Gaza
