JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli army has confirmed that its forces are operating in central parts of Rafah during its expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city.
The army said in a statement on Friday that its forces had uncovered Hamas rocket launchers and tunnels in the center of Rafah and dismantled a weapons warehouse city belonging to the group.
Israel launched its ground attack on the city on May 6, operating mainly in the eastern districts and close to the border with Egypt. This week it also moved into the city’s western Tel al-Sultan district, where witnesses reported heavy clashes with Hamas fighters.
Friday’s statement did not specify where in central Rafah the operations took place, but previous statements and witness reports pointed to raids on the Shaboura refugee camp and other locations near the city center.
More than 1 million Palestinians have fled the city since the attack began, spreading across southern and central Gaza.
