Communications, Internet Shut Down in Rafah

Israeli authorities have completely cut off communications and internet access in Rafah, a city in Gaza near the Egyptian border, amidst escalating military operations, according to reports from Iran's Tasnim News Agency.

This blackout coincides with intensified artillery and airstrikes by the Israeli army.

Qatar's Al Jazeera further reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted raids in southern and western Rafah, targeting residential buildings with bombings and shelling.

Israeli tanks have also been stationed in the Yibna and Shabura refugee camps in the southern part of the city.

The renewed tensions in the Middle East erupted on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas militants from Gaza on Israeli territory.

This assault resulted in the deaths of numerous residents in Israeli border settlements and the taking of over 240 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly.

Hamas claimed the attack was in retaliation for Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City.

In response, Israel imposed a total blockade on the Gaza Strip, which is home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and launched airstrikes on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Additionally, clashes have been reported in the West Bank.

This escalation marks a significant increase in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the severe humanitarian and geopolitical impacts on the region.