Palestinian fighters clashed with Israeli forces in fierce battles in northern Gaza City’s Shujayea neighborhood, following the entry of tanks and troops that forced many civilians to flee in fear.

Rafah battles ongoing

Ground operations, coupled with air raids, are ongoing in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of numerous fighters, as reported by the army on Friday. The heavy fighting comes after remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating a possible de-escalation of the ongoing conflict.

Soldiers have been carrying out targeted raids in Shujayea after intelligence suggested the presence of terrorists and their infrastructure in the area, the military disclosed in its initial operational details.

Israeli casualties since October 7, 2023, have been substantial, with over 300 soldiers killed during the ground invasion of Gaza. Additionally, nearly 4,000 soldiers have been wounded in the conflict.

Israel claims to have eliminated approximately 15,000 Palestinian fighters throughout the nearly nine-month-long conflict.

Palestinian health authorities reported that tank shelling in Rafah led to the death of at least 11 individuals on Friday. Displaced families sought refuge farther north amid escalating Israeli attacks, describing chaotic scenes as the conflict intensified.

Residents witnessed bulldozers in the Shakoush area preparing sand mounds for Israeli tanks to take cover behind.

Evacuations from al-Mawasi, an area declared an "evacuation zone" by the Israeli military, resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of around 5,000 people, according to the UN’s Dujarric.

Gaza's population has been severely affected by the conflict, with a significant portion displaced and infrastructure in ruins, leaving residents in dire circumstances. A recent UN-backed assessment revealed that nearly 500,000 individuals in Gaza are facing extreme hunger conditions.