The tragedy in Gaza: Israel intensifies offensive in Rafah and Shujaiya

The situation in Gaza remains critical as Israel continues its offensive in the Rafah and Shujaiya areas. The Israeli military has reported that they have killed "dozens of terrorists in close combat and with air support" in the Shujaiya neighborhood, estimating around 40 alleged combatants fallen in that sector of the southeastern part of the city of Gaza. This escalation of violence has resulted in a death toll of 43 in the entire Strip in the last day, bringing the total to 37,877 deceased and 86,969 injured since the beginning of the war, according to data from the Ministry of Health in Gaza controlled by Hamas. Furthermore, it is estimated that around 10,000 bodies remain trapped under the rubble of the intense bombings and clashes in the region. During the offensive in Shujaiya, Israeli troops also raided a UN school that was being used as a "hideout and warehouse" by Hamas militants, finding weapons, grenades, and intelligence documents at the site. The Israeli military has denounced that Hamas militants are "embedding themselves in civilian structures for terrorist purposes," further complicating the humanitarian situation and access to aid for the affected population. Meanwhile, military operations have extended to the Rafah area in the southernmost part of the enclave, with the elimination of terrorists in several encounters, tunnel dismantlements, and destruction of mortar launching bases. The Israeli aviation has also bombed other neighborhoods in the city of Gaza, such as Al Tuffah, Sabra, Tal al Hawa, or Al Daraj, with reports of casualties in all these airstrikes. The situation worsens in Shujaiya, where ambulances and paramedics have been unable to access due to the continuous gunfire from Israeli troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his forces' determination to combat terrorists, describing the fight as tough and taking place both on the surface and in clandestine locations. The devastation in Gaza is palpable, with residential buildings, schools, and hospitals reduced to rubble, leaving a population at risk of famine and in extremely precarious living conditions. The international community has expressed concern over the escalation of violence in the region and has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of innocent lives and seek a peaceful solution to the conflict. Meanwhile, the population of Gaza continues to suffer the consequences of a seemingly endless war, with an uncertain future and the hope for a ceasefire that allows for reconstruction and a return to normalcy in the region.