Israeli forces pound north and south Gaza, battle Hamas in Rafah

CAIRO, Egypt – Israeli forces pounded several areas across Gaza on Wednesday, June 26, and residents reported fierce fighting overnight in Rafah in the south of the Palestinian enclave.

Residents said fighting intensified in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah, where tanks were also trying to force their way north amid heavy clashes. The armed wings of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad said fighters attacked Israeli forces with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs.

Since early May...