Israel Vows to Broaden Rafah Sweep Amid Heavy Fighting in Gaza
By Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams
What You Need to Know
Israeli airstrikes killed multiple people in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Wednesday, as intense fighting continued in the region. Satellite images show vast craters in the city, and Israeli tanks have reportedly reached the center of Rafah.
Israel has vowed to broaden its sweep of Rafah, a major transit point between Gaza and Egypt. The offensive comes amid mounting international pressure to end the violence, which has claimed the lives of over 2,000 Palestinians and 72 Israelis since it began on July 8.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Wednesday that the recent delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza is insufficient. He called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to peace talks.
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