IDF engages in fierce fighting in Rafah

IDF engages in fierce fighting in Rafah

SAM HALPERN

The IDF engaged in extensive activity in the southern Gazan city of Rafah on Saturday morning. Fierce fighting is reported. 

Safa, a Hamas-affiliated news outlet based in Gaza, reported that Israeli artillery and helicopters fired in the area of the Saudi neighborhood west of Rafah.

According to the Gazan news source, clashes and explosions were heard in the city's western area.

At the same time, Palestinian Authority state-run news agency Wafa reported that Israeli artillery struck targets in the central and eastern portions of Rafah as well. 

The Qatari state-run media giant Al Jazeera, citing medical sources, reported that 28 people had been killed in Israeli raids and shelling in the Strip since dawn on Friday.

The report, which cannot be verified, did not specify if, or how many, of that number were terrorist operatives. 

Safa later reported that there were casualties as a result of small-arms fire from Israeli forces.

The reports of IDF activity in Rafah come after Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported on Friday that Israel intended to conclude its activities in the city in two weeks.

The IDF has not yet released a public comment on the latest reports of fighting in southern Gaza.