Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza Civil Defense, announced on Friday that the fate of 50,000 residents in Rafah remains uncertain as Israeli forces continue their siege on the city. In a televised statement, Basal highlighted the dire situation, revealing that Israeli forces have directly targeted civil defense teams, resulting in the deaths of several members engaged in humanitarian efforts.

He reported that bodies are scattered throughout Rafah’s streets as emergency crews struggle to reach the area and account for their colleagues. The ongoing violence has severely hampered rescue operations, leaving many in desperate need of assistance.

After five days of coordination efforts, Palestinian Red Crescent teams finally gained access to Tel Al-Sultan in Rafah on Thursday, following an Israeli blockade. The organization had lost contact with its teams in western Rafah as they were encircled while attempting to assist the wounded from a previous Israeli attack.

Since Sunday morning, Israeli forces have launched a large-scale assault on Tel Al-Sultan, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and trapping thousands in perilous conditions. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate as the situation remains critical for the residents of Rafah.