Reports: 7 killed in Rafah airstrikes, crossing destroyed | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Displaced Palestinians in the southern part of the Gaza Strip have reportedly been killed in airstrikes. The casualties have further pushed up the death toll in the enclave.

Israeli troops continued their offensive in Gaza on Wednesday. Palestinian health authorities say 24 people died and 71 others were injured during a 24-hour period.

Reuters has reported that seven people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Rafah overnight, after makeshift shelters used by displaced families came under attack.

A displaced Palestinian told the agency that he awoke to the sound of gunfire. He said that he was shocked when he ran out of his tent and saw fires raging in the area.

He said children were screaming in horror.

The health authorities in Gaza say the number of deaths in the enclave rose to 37,396 on Wednesday. The fighting began last October.

Meanwhile, the Times of Israel has published an article written by a reporter who spent time embedded with a brigade in Rafah.

In the article, the journalist wrote: “The Rafah Crossing was in no shape to be used again to deliver much-needed aid to the Strip. Many of the buildings are damaged, including the crossing’s main terminal building which was also burnt in recent days.”

Reuters has distributed footage of the area. Damaged and charred buildings can be seen in the images. But it is unclear when the damage occurred.

In May, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah. It also ordered the country to make sure that the Rafah crossing stayed open, so that “unhindered” humanitarian aid could be brought in.