Palestinian medical sources in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, reported on Saturday that Israeli soldiers killed four Palestinians, including two children, in three air strikes in the city. The attacks came as the army widened its military operation in Rafah, especially in Al Shouka area, and around the Rafah International Airport.
The sources stated that an Israeli helicopter fired a missile at a Palestinian family who fled their home and were searching for a safer place, the missile missed its target, but as they drove near Abu Yousef Al Najjar Hospital, the helicopter fired another missile at their vehicle killing two brothers identified as Kifah, 16, and Ammar Al Natour, 15; their mother and brother were seriously injured,
Also on Saturday, an Israeli tank fired a shell that landed and detonated near a house in George Street, in Rafah, killing Mohammad Mahdi, 20, member of the Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, four others were injured.
In a separate attack, saber Abu Ayyad, 22, member of the Al Qassam brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, was killed by a missile fired at him during clashes that took place in Rafah.
Dr. Ali Mousa, head of Abu Yousef Al Najjar Hospital in Rafah, stated that the bodies of the four residents were severely mutilated as they were directly targeted by the shells and missiles. Several bystanders were injured, some seriously.
Moreover, tanks advanced into Rafah and are currently stationed 700 meters away from Abu Yousef Al Najjar Hospital.
Military bulldozers damaged several houses in the area while firing heavily in different directions. The bulldozers also were hitting some houses while the residents were still inside.
