Israel Intensifies Rafah Invasion Despite International Condemnation

New Assaults Reported on Gaza's Southern City

CAIRO/JERUSALEM, May 20 (Reuters) - Israel amplified its offensive in central Gaza on Monday, pounding towns in the enclave as its invasion of Rafah entered its third week amid mounting international criticism over civilian casualties.

Israel's military stated on Thursday that it was engaging in combat near the city center. Meanwhile, journalists reported fresh attacks on Rafah.

Martin Griffiths, the United Nations emergency relief coordinator, denounced an Israeli airstrike on a social media account, describing it as a "flagrant violation of international law."

Israel has instructed tens of thousands of Palestinians to evacuate Rafah to facilitate its military operations. To date, an estimated 45 civilians, including women and children, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp.

Conclusion

Israel's continued offensive in Rafah has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for an end to the violence and accountability for civilian casualties. The situation remains volatile, and the humanitarian toll continues to mount as the conflict escalates.