Israel strikes Rafah, says two captives freed
Al Jazeera
Air raids come as Palestinians in Rafah brace for offensive that aid agencies fear will cause massive casualties.
Israel has carried out air strikes in southern Gaza’s Rafah, killing dozens, according to health officials, as Palestinians brace for a major offensive on the densely-crowded city.
There were conflicting reports of the death toll following the pre-dawn strikes on Monday.
The AFP news agency reported that the strikes killed 52 people, while Reuters reported that 37 had been killed. Both outlets cited health officials in Gaza.
The Israeli strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in Rafah, according to Palestinian officials.
Israel’s military said it had struck a number of “terror targets” in the Shaboura district of Rafah and the strikes had concluded.
