Israel carried out a special forces operation in Rafah, freeing two hostages amid airstrikes that reportedly killed 37 people and injured dozens in the southern Gaza city. The airstrikes caused panic among residents, many of whom were asleep when the strikes began. There were fears of an Israeli ground offensive into Rafah.
Israeli planes, tanks, and ships participated in the strikes, targeting two mosques and several houses. The Israeli military stated that the strikes in southern Gaza had concluded but provided no further details.
US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch a military operation in Rafah without ensuring the safety of the approximately 1 million people sheltering there. Aid agencies warned that an assault on Rafah would be catastrophic as it is the last relatively safe place in the enclave devastated by Israel's military offensive.
Netanyahu's office ordered the military to develop a plan to evacuate Rafah and target four Hamas battalions deployed there. Hamas, in turn, warned that any Israeli ground offensive in Rafah would jeopardize hostage-exchange negotiations.
Egypt cautioned against the dire consequences of an Israeli military assault on Rafah, emphasizing the need for international and regional efforts to prevent targeting the city.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu justified Israel's actions, citing the presence of remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. Hamas-run Aqsa Television quoted a senior Hamas leader warning of the repercussions of an Israeli ground offensive.
Egypt called for united efforts to protect Rafah, situated near its border, from potential Israeli military action.
