Credit... Jehad Alshrafi/Associated PressThe Israeli military said on Friday that its forces had advanced into central Rafah, pushing even deeper into the southern Gaza city despite an international backlash and pressure from allies to scale back the latest offensive. Israeli commandoes backed by tanks and artillery were operating in central Rafah, the Israeli military said in a statement, without specifying precise locations. GAZA STRIP Area of image Central Rafah GAZA Israeli military vehicles EGYPT GAZA STRIP Area of image Central Rafah GAZA Israeli military vehicles EGYPT Much of eastern Rafah has been devastated since the offensive began in early May, particularly around the border crossing with Egypt, according to satellite photos from May 22. Israel captured the Rafah crossing in an overnight operation on May 7 that marked the beginning of their assault on the area. May 5 RAFAH Rafah crossing 1 mile May 22 GAZA STRIP Area of image Area of most damage Rafah crossing Source: Satellite imagery from Planet Labs The Rafah crossing has served as a vital conduit for getting humanitarian aid into Gaza amid widespread deprivation and hunger.

---

Persons: Jehad, Israel Organizations: Associated Press, United Nations, International Court of Justice, Planet Labs, Labs Locations: Rafah, Israel, Gaza, Egypt, United States, GAZA, Rafah GAZA, EGYPT GAZA, EGYPT, RAFAH Rafah, Palestinian