News about Rafah, Israel

Hamas has also stated that its attack was in response to the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, rising Israeli settler violence and recent escalations at Al-Aqsa.

Since October 7, violence between security forces, settlers and Palestinians has increased significantly. The ongoing conflict has also spurred a notable increase in displacements within the West Bank linked to settler violence and the destruction of homes during Israeli military operations.

Israel's unilateral disengagement Palestinian militants have targeted a number of military bases and civilian towns in Southern Israel. Since 2001, Palestinian militants have launched thousands of rocket and mortar attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing, injuring and traumatizing Israeli civilians.