Ongoing Clashes: Hamas and Israeli Soldiers Engage Near Rafah

Hamas militants and Israeli soldiers faced intense combat on Thursday in the vicinity of Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. The Palestinian militant group announced via Telegram that fighting remains fierce in areas where Israeli forces have recently gained ground.

Israel has maintained pressure in Gaza for over 19 months, following their air and ground campaign aimed at weakening Hamas' hold on the territory. While clashes have been mostly concentrated in Khan Younis and northern parts of Gaza, Rafah has seen renewed activity.

This resurgence in fighting comes after Israel decided to extend its military offensive earlier this month, following the breakdown of a short-lived ceasefire brokered by the United States, which had temporarily paused hostilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)