Day 214: 34,789 martyrs, 78,204 injured

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
7 May 2024 13:36

The death toll from the Gaza genocide rises to 34,789 Palestinians as "Israel" approves a Rafah invasion.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on a residential building in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Palestine, May 7, 2024. (AP)

Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli occupation forces managed to invade Rafah and increase the death toll and tensions on the 214th day of the genocide.

The IOF committed six massacres, resulting in the martyrdom of 54 Palestinians and 96 injuries.

Despite ongoing rescue efforts, several victims remain trapped under the rubble and in inaccessible areas, where emergency response teams struggle to reach them due to Israeli strikes.

This latest escalation brings the staggering death toll of the Israeli genocide to 34,789 martyrs and 78,204 injuries since the conflict began on October 7 of last year.

IOF invasion of Rafah results in halt of passenger and aid traffic

The Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has entered its 214th day, amid intense bombardment on the city of Rafah, with airstrikes targeting Gaza City and its northern areas around the Yarmouk area, east of Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. This continuous bombardment has resulted in the martyrdom and injury of many Palestinians.

In further details, local media reported that Israeli occupation military vehicles have advanced toward the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, with several artillery deliberately aimed at densely-populated residential buildings.

Moreover, local media underscored that Israeli military vehicles are now positioned about 200 meters from the Rafah border crossing, firing several shells at the crossing's buildings.

Fire rings throughout the night in Rafah

Additionally, the city of Rafah has endured a night of relentless airstrikes and artillery shelling.

Reports have confirmed tragic casualties among Palestinians resulting from Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas in Rafah.

In the Tel Sultan neighborhood, west of Rafah, five Palestinians were killed and several others were injured when their house was struck by an Israeli airstrike. Similarly, in another devastating incident, three Palestinians, including a child, were killed in the Israeli occupation's bombardment of the Abu Amra family's house.

The impact of the conflict was further felt in the Jenina neighborhood east of Rafah, where four Palestinians were martyred in an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Hams family's home.

Additionally, in the central administrative district of Rafah, the Abdel Aal family's home was targeted by another Israeli airstrike, resulting in the death of one family member and injuries to several others.

Since last night, the Israeli occupation forces have intensified their bombardment of eastern Rafah, with reports of flares illuminating the sky as part of Israeli aerial activity, including reconnaissance flights.

It is worth noting that Rafah serves as a critical refuge for displaced individuals within Gaza, particularly following "Israel's" invasion of Gaza which began on October 27 last year.

The Rafah border crossing is vital for Gaza's residents, enabling the delivery of essential aid and evacuation of the injured. The ongoing Israeli invasion threatens to further impede humanitarian assistance and medical support.