Rafah is one of the largest cities in the Gaza Strip, located on its far southern end on the border with Egypt.
The city is the site of the Rafah border crossing, the only entry and exit point out of Gaza and into Egypt, compared to the other border crossings that go into Israel.
Rafah is partially divided, with part of the city being located on the Egyptian side of the border. A network of smuggling tunnels run beneath the city and crossing in an attempt to circumvent the blockade around Gaza.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to head to Israel • PIJ terrorist killed in Jenin in West Bank •, US and Iran discuss Mid East stability
John Kirby said Sullivan's talks with Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials will include Rafah.
For America’s enemies it’s a shot in the arm, for America’s interests it’s a shot in the foot, and for Biden’s leadership it’s a shot in the head.
In Manama, the Arab League met to voice its opposition not just not the Rafah operation but to the war itself, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Israeli troops battled terrorists across Gaza on Wednesday, including in Rafah, which had been a refuge for civilians, in an upsurge of the more than 7-month-old war.
IDF Chief of Staff said, 'We’re Determined, We Won’t Let Hamas Rebuild' to soldier in Rafah during Israel's independence day.
Otzma Yehudit MK stands firm: No surrender deal for hostages, calls for military action to ensure return and warns against Hamas manipulation.
Both on Tuesday and again on Wednesday, the IDF said Division 98 had killed several dozen Hamas fighters in Jabalya in northern Gaza.
An operation in Rafah is not something Israelis want, but Hamas has left us no choice.
Biden's support for Israel in its war against Hamas has emerged as a political liability for the president, particularly among young Democrats, as he runs for re-election this year.