Israel Plans to Annex Rafah into Buffer Zone

Israel plans to incorporate the entire city of Rafah into a new security buffer zone, barring displaced residents from returning, according to Israeli security sources.

The move comes as Israel’s military campaign against Gaza intensifies, escalating the humanitarian disaster across the region.

On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks targeted residential areas, including a deadly assault on the Shuja'iyya neighborhood in Gaza City.

At least 38 people, mostly women and children, were killed and over 50 others injured when Israeli aircraft bombed a residential block without prior warning. Rescue operations are still underway, with many victims trapped under the rubble.

The Israeli military stated it continues its ground operations in Gaza, launching airstrikes on more than 45 targets in the past 24 hours.

Despite the ongoing offensive, Israeli security officials admitted that only 25% of Hamas's extensive tunnel network has been destroyed so far. Many of the tunnels reportedly connect Gaza with Egypt, posing an ongoing security concern for Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli sources revealed plans to demolish all buildings in Rafah as part of the buffer zone expansion.

The area, spanning 75 square kilometers and once home to 200,000 Palestinians, would be cleared entirely. As part of these efforts, Israeli forces have started widening the Morag corridor and systematically demolishing structures along it to reinforce the new boundary.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. UNRWA warned that food, water, shelter, and medical care are becoming increasingly scarce, particularly in northern Gaza.

Children are now searching for water instead of attending school. UNRWA called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering.

Adding to the crisis, Gaza City faces a severe water shortage after Israeli operations cut off the main water supply from the Mekorot company. Municipal officials reported that 70% of the city’s water needs were disrupted, leaving residents dependent on a few functioning wells to survive.

As the conflict enters a new phase, concerns are mounting over the safety of civilians, the fate of hostages, and the overall humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.