Rafah: The mayor of Rafah, Dr. Ahmed Al Soufi, stated that Israeli occupation forces maintain control over more than 70 percent of the city and the border strip with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, despite a ceasefire agreement being in effect since January 19.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Soufi reported that the violations by Israeli forces since the ceasefire agreement have resulted in the deaths of approximately 32 Palestinians in Rafah, which has been declared a disaster area due to extensive destruction since last May.

He noted that residents remain displaced in Khan Yunis and Al Mawasi area, unable to return home despite the ongoing ceasefire. Al Soufi emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, with thousands living outdoors in harsh conditions that have worsened their suffering.

Al Soufi detailed severe violations by Israeli forces, including civilian targeting, injuries, arrests, tank advancements into central and western Rafah, border crossovers, and further home demolitions. The city has been declared disaster-stricken with no operational health centers or basic necessities, functioning at only 30 percent capacity.

With an original population of around 300,000, Rafah has seen 90 percent of its residential buildings destroyed, making them uninhabitable. Al Soufi highlighted that six out of 15 neighborhoods were entirely demolished, displacing over 200,000 citizens and affecting five refugee camps that housed most of the population.