After three weeks of ground operations, Israeli tanks have reached the center of Rafah in the Gaza Strip - Israel's intentions are to fully eliminate Hamas fighters while the international community has called for a ceasefire.
Apostrophe has collected information about the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Reuters reports that on Tuesday, May 28, Israeli tanks pushed towards western neighbourhoods and took positions on the Zurub hilltop in western Rafah "in one of the worst nights of bombardment reported by residents", according to locals.
The Times of Israel reports that several Israeli tanks reached the center of Rafah. In particular, witnesses said they noticed tanks near the Al-Awda mosque, which is the central landmark of Rafah.
"There is no immediate comment from the IDF on the witness accounts, with the military saying it will issue a statement on the Rafah operation later in the day," the report said.
They also showed footage published by Al Jazeera on social media, allegedly showing tanks moving toward Rafah.
Reuters also reports that Israel continues to carry out air strikes and tank fire on Rafak, despite the international community's condemnation of the strike, which caused a fire in a tent camp for displaced persons. At least 45 people were killed in the fire.
In addition, it adds that at least 16 Palestinians were killed in the strikes on the night of May 28, according to officials in the enclave run by Hamas militants.
World leaders, reacting to the attack and the fire in the tent city, called for the fulfillment of the order of the International Court of Justice and a ceasefire.
Local residents reported that Israeli tanks had taken positions on the Zurub hilltop in western Rafah, and that they had advanced from an area near the Egyptian border crossing where Israeli troops began their invasion three weeks ago.
Witnesses noted that the Israeli military also brought in remote-operated armored vehicles, as no personnel were seen in or around the vehicles. The Israeli military Spokesperson did not immediately respond.
Instead, Israel itself claims that it wants to fully eliminate Hamas fighters who have taken refuge in the city of Rafah and rescue hostages allegedly held in the area.
Earlier, Apostrophe reported that Netanyahu called ICC's attempts to arrest Israeli leaders new antisemitism.