Israeli Airstrikes Devastate Rafah Amidst Ceasefire Talks, Gazans Desperate for Relief

Israeli airstrikes in Rafah levelledfour-and-a-half-month a mosque and razed homes, marking one of the most devastating nights for residents. This occurred while the Hamas chief was in Cairo for talks, which Gazans hope might lead to a ceasefire, preventing a full-scale assault on the city. Mourners grieved over at least seven bodies outside a morgue, a scene made worse by the heavy bombing, the worst since an Israeli raid ten days prior. The bombings targeted the city near the Egyptian border, where a significant portion of Gaza's population seeks refuge, mainly in tents.

Residents described the relentless sounds of explosions and planes overhead, highlighting the desperation of the people in the face of Israel's military power. The authorities reported at least 20 deaths from the bombing of two houses in central Gaza, the only substantial area yet to be invaded in the five-month assault.

Israel initiated the campaign in response to an October 7 attack by Hamas militants, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Since then, Gaza has witnessed a significant loss of life, with thousands feared dead and unrecovered under destroyed structures.

Ceasefire talks failed two weeks ago, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a counteroffer from Hamas. The offer proposed a four-and-a-half month truce ending with an Israeli withdrawal. Hamas insists on the release of hostages before agreeing to end the fighting and the Israeli withdrawal. Israel, in turn, refuses to withdraw until Hamas is eliminated.

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh's visit to Cairo signals a potential resumption of negotiations. Haniyeh met with Egyptian officials involved in mediating, although public details have been scarce. A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, claimed that Israel is backtracking on terms previously accepted in a ceasefire offer negotiated in February with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators in Paris.