Israeli forces have pounded Rafah in southern Gaza as well as other areas across the enclave, killing at least 32 Palestinians as troops engaged in close-quarter combat with Hamas, Reuters reports.

Residents said the Israelis appeared to be trying to complete their capture of Rafah, which borders Egypt and has been the focus of an Israeli assault since early May.

Palestinian health officials said at least 12 Palestinians were killed in Mawasi in western Rafah in what Palestinians said was a tank shelling that hit a tent housing displaced families.

Palestinian health officials said at least 32 Palestinians had been killed in separate Israeli military strikes.

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Editorial

Updated 01 Aug, 2026

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