Rafah offensive

Rafah offensive
Part of the Gaza war

Israeli Merkava tank and Namer APC at the Rafah crossing
Date6 May 2024 – present
(11 months, 1 week and 6 days)
Location
Status

Ongoing

Belligerents
 Israel  Hamas
Commanders and leaders
Israel Yaron Finkelman[4]
Israel Yaniv Asor[5]
Israel Itzik Cohen[6]
Israel Tomer Bar[7]
Israel Liron Betito[8]
Israel Benny Aharon[9]
Israel Omer Cohen[10]
Israel Moran Omer[5]
Israel Yair Zuckerman[11]
Hamas Yahya Sinwar 
Hamas Mohammed Deif X[12]
Hamas Mohammad Shabana[13]
Hamas Yasser Natat[14]
Hamas Mahmoud Hamdan [15]
Israeli claim:
Units involved
Strength
Israel 3,000–5,000+ soldiers[53]
Casualties and losses
Per Israel:
40 soldiers,[a] 1 Defense Ministry contractor killed[40]
94 soldiers,[b] 1 Military Intelligence Directorate interrogator[48] and 2 Defense Ministry employees injured[40]
1 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed[42]
Per Israel (disputed, see Combatant casualties):
Hamas 2,308+ fighters killed[79]
209+ Palestinians killed,[c][improper synthesis?] 286+ injured[d]
2 UN staff members killed,[92][93] 1 WHO staff member injured[80]
2 Egyptian border guards killed[94]
8 Israeli hostages killed,[95][96] 3 civilians injured[97][98]
1,000,000+ Palestinians displaced (est.)[99]

On 6 May 2024, Israel began a military offensive in and around the city of Rafah as part of its invasion of the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war.

In early May, as ceasefire negotiations stalled, Israel prepared for an operation and ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah.[100][101] On 6 May, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar,[102][103] but Israel's war cabinet unanimously rejected it as "far from Israel's necessary demands", and indicated it would continue its operation.[104] Israel initially planned to launch a two division sweep across the city, but U.S. President Joe Biden considered a major attack into Rafah a "red line" that could not be crossed. This forced Israel to reduce the operation to capturing the border to seal off arms smuggling into Gaza, and rely on targeted raids into Rafah.[105]

After the rejection, Israel conducted airstrikes on Rafah, entered the edges of the city, and seized the Rafah crossing, closing it.[102][106][107] The IDF entered populated areas of the city on 14 May.[108] Israel stated that the operation would not stop unless Hamas was eliminated or hostages were released.[107] On 24 May, the International Court of Justice ordered an immediate halt to the offensive,[109] a position rejected by Israel. The humanitarian impact of Israeli operations has been high. Over 1 million Palestinians were evacuated to zones alleged to be unsafe and lacking in supplies.[101][110][99] Almost 210 Palestinians were killed and 280 injured by Israeli strikes.[e][improper synthesis?] Hospitals were in poor condition due to Israeli attacks and lack of supplies.[111][112] In addition, events relating to the offensive resulted in the temporary closures of the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.[113]

By late-August 2024, satellite imagery showed that almost 44 percent of all buildings in Rafah had been damaged or destroyed since the start of Israel's offensive on the city.[114] On September 1, 2024, the IDF recovered the bodies of six civilian hostages kidnapped during the Nova festival massacre from a tunnel in Rafah. Autopsies revealed that they had been killed from close range just a short while before their rescue.[115][95] On 17 October, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by IDF forces in Rafah.[116] On 19 January 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect, and the IDF withdrew from some parts of Rafah.[117] On the night of 18 March 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, breaking the ceasefire.[118] Israeli troops resumed ground operations in Rafah on 20 March 2025.[119]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference AAMB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Sep 28 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Oct 29 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Or Heller (16 May 2024). "בצה"ל מעריכים: סינוואר עדיין בעזה; כ-950 אלף התפנו מרפיח Rafah". Channel 13 (in Hebrew). Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b Fabian, Emanuel (8 April 2025). "In Gaza, Zamir tells troops he expects them to defeat Hamas's Rafah Brigade". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cohen was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b Yagns, Yanir (13 September 2024). "New details of IDF helicopter crash rescue operation revealed". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  8. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (19 June 2024). "In Rafah, IDF focuses on tunnels with aim of destroying Hamas brigade within a month". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  9. ^ Ben van der Merwe; Sam Doak; Olive Enokido-Lineham (7 May 2024). "How Israel launched its Rafah offensive and seized key border crossing". Sky News. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  10. ^ Yonah Jeremy Bob (15 July 2024). "How IDF commandos destroyed Hamas recruitment center, PIJ rocket factory". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  11. ^ Lazaroff, Tovah (19 June 2024). "In Rafah, 'there is almost no home without a tunnel,' says Nahal Brigade Commander". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Hamas' armed wing announces killing of its military leader". Reuters. 30 January 2025. Archived from the original on 30 January 2025. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  13. ^ Nidal Al-Mughrabi (1 August 2024). "Who are the top Hamas leaders and commanders now?". Reuters. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference 23June was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hamdan was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference Salame was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ Cite error: The named reference 29August was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Daqqa was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  19. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference 11Apr2025 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hashash was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dalu was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  22. ^ a b Fabian, Emanuel (9 April 2025). "IDF advances in Gaza, expands buffer zone to pressure Hamas, but no fighting taking place". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  23. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference Egoz was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  24. ^ Cite error: The named reference 28Dec was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  25. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Zalata was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  26. ^ "Israel takes control of Rafah crossing after deadly overnight assault". EFE. 7 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  27. ^ "Israel takes control of Rafah crossing, Gaza's lifeline: What's going on?". Al Jazeera.
  28. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (4 August 2024). "IDF soldier critically injured in Rafah fighting yesterday". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  29. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Ittai was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  30. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bislamach was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  31. ^ "New details emerge of Sinwar's final moments". The Times of Israel. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  32. ^ Cite error: The named reference 20Sept was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  33. ^ "Live blog". Al Jazeera English.
  34. ^ Cite error: The named reference 932nd was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  35. ^ "IDF Deploys Fifth Brigade to Rafah as operation expands in southern city". i24news.tv. I24. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  36. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Malkia was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  37. ^ Cite error: The named reference Zeitoun was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  38. ^ Cite error: The named reference Desert was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  39. ^ Cite error: The named reference Gispan was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  40. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference contractor was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  41. ^ "IDF major killed during fighting in Rafah today, says military". The Times of Israel. 7 July 2024.
  42. ^ a b c d e f Cite error: The named reference 11Sept was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  43. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference 17Dec was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  44. ^ Cite error: The named reference Shaked was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  45. ^ "Iran Update, February 12, 2024". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  46. ^ Cite error: The named reference navy was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  47. ^ Cite error: The named reference hostage was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  48. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Unit504 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  49. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (8 May 2024). "IDF says around 30 gunmen killed in ongoing Rafah operation so far". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  50. ^ "Institute for the Study of War".
  51. ^ Cite error: The named reference DFLP was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  52. ^ "IRAN UPDATE, JULY 18, 2024". ISW Press. 18 July 2024.
  53. ^ Siddiqui, Usaid. "Israel's war on Gaza updates: Israel hits Rafah as Hamas accepts truce deal". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  54. ^ Sokol, Sam (19 September 2024). "Right-wing lawmakers question IDF's claimed defeat of Hamas's Rafah Brigade". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  55. ^ Nakhoul, Samia (6 June 2024). "Diminished Hamas switches to full insurgent mode in Gaza". Reuters. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  56. ^ Yonah Jeremy Bob (2 July 2024). "IDF, Netanyahu fought over PA in Gaza, now its about withdrawal - Analysis". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  57. ^ Cite error: The named reference 550killed was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  58. ^ Cite error: The named reference Eyal was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  59. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Hadad was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  60. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Jalaa was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  61. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (26 July 2024). "IDF volunteer soldier killed in south Gaza fighting; 100 gunmen killed in Khan Younis". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  62. ^ Cite error: The named reference Greenblatt was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  63. ^ Cite error: The named reference 22August was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  64. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference 18Sept was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  65. ^ Cite error: The named reference 7Dec was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  66. ^ Cite error: The named reference ftygm was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  67. ^ "3 soldiers killed Tuesday in booby-trapped building in Gaza's Rafah, IDF says". The Times of Israel. 29 May 2024.
  68. ^ "12 soldiers stung by wasp swarm after tank runs over nest in southern Gaza". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  69. ^ Cite error: The named reference expand was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  70. ^ Cite error: The named reference Vaknin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  71. ^ Cite error: The named reference Rotem was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  72. ^ Cite error: The named reference 11Jun was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  73. ^ Cite error: The named reference 46thbattalion was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  74. ^ Cite error: The named reference 2July was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  75. ^ Cite error: The named reference 24July was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  76. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (4 August 2024). "IDF soldier critically injured in Rafah fighting yesterday". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  77. ^ Cite error: The named reference 17Sept was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  78. ^ Cite error: The named reference NYTSinwar was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  79. ^ Cite error: The named reference 12Sept was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  80. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference WHO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  81. ^ "Israeli military captures Palestinian side of Rafah crossing". cnn.com. CNN. 7 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  82. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference RW1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  83. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference RW3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  84. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference ISW was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  85. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference May8 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  86. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference WION was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  87. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference RW2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  88. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference OCHA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  89. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference EWP was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  90. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference PCO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  91. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference killed was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  92. ^ Cite error: The named reference UNK was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  93. ^ Cite error: The named reference PRCS30Mar was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  94. ^ Cite error: The named reference Naguib was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  95. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Goldberg was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  96. ^ Cite error: The named reference Ziyadne was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  97. ^ Cite error: The named reference AFP was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  98. ^ Cite error: The named reference Herzliya was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  99. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference million was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  100. ^ Cite error: The named reference jpost20240506 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  101. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference unsafe was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  102. ^ a b Mednick, Sam; Federman, Josef; Mroue, Bassem (6 May 2024). "Hamas accepts Gaza cease-fire; Israel says it will continue talks but is conducting strikes in Rafah". apnews.com. AP News. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024. Hamas said Monday it accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, but Israel said the deal did not meet its core demands and it was pushing ahead with an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Still, Israel said it would continue negotiations.
  103. ^ Cite error: The named reference frustrated was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  104. ^ Cite error: The named reference rejected was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  105. ^ Lieber, Michael R. Gordon and Dov. "How Israel Avoided Biden's Red Line". WSJ. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  106. ^ Cite error: The named reference takescrossing was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  107. ^ a b Fabian, Emanuel (7 May 2024). "Gallant: Rafah op will continue until Hamas rooted out or hostage deal reached". Times of Israel. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  108. ^ "Soldier killed in south Gaza fighting, in first Israeli fatality of Rafah offensive". Times of Israel. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  109. ^ Cite error: The named reference icj was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  110. ^ Cite error: The named reference Mawasi was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  111. ^ Cite error: The named reference aje was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  112. ^ Cite error: The named reference National was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  113. ^ Vinograd, Cassandra (7 May 2024). "Israel's Closures of 2 Gaza Border Crossings Prompt Alarm Over Humanitarian Aid". The New York Times.
  114. ^ Godin, Jake (27 August 2024). "Satellite Imagery Shows Vast Destruction in Rafah". Bellingcat. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  115. ^ Edwards, Christian (3 September 2024). "Hamas' brutal new tactics signal new phase in war and hostage crisis". CNN. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  116. ^ "Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a mastermind of the October 7 attacks". France 24. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  117. ^ "Iran Update, January 19, 2025". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  118. ^ "Israel breaks ceasefire with surprise airstrike, killing more than 400 Palestinians". AP News. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
  119. ^ Uras, Umut; Speri, Alice (21 March 2025). "UN 'horrified' by killing of Palestinians in Gaza, Israeli bombing". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 March 2025.


Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).


© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search