Daijiworld Media Network- Cairo

Cairo, May 9: Amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, Palestinian militant group Hamas claimed on Thursday that it is engaged in “fierce fighting” with Israeli forces in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The announcement signals continued resistance from Hamas fighters even in areas where Israeli troops have advanced significantly.

According to a statement issued by Hamas on its Telegram channel, intense ground clashes have been taking place, with its fighters actively targeting Israeli units. In a follow-up statement, Hamas said it ambushed a 12-member Israeli unit inside a residential building in the Tanur neighborhood of eastern Rafah. The group claims to have used anti-personnel and anti-armour rockets, reportedly inflicting casualties on the Israeli side.

While the Israeli military has not yet confirmed the specific details of the Hamas claims, the situation in Rafah remains highly volatile. Israel continues its air and ground operations in Gaza, launched more than 19 months ago, aimed at dismantling what it describes as terrorist infrastructure controlled by Hamas.

Rafah, located near the Egypt-Gaza border, has become a critical point in the latest phase of the conflict, with humanitarian concerns escalating as military activity intensifies in civilian-populated areas. The ongoing hostilities have drawn international concern over the safety of civilians and the potential for further regional destabilisation.

As of now, both sides remain locked in an intensifying confrontation, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.