Israeli strikes kill two in Gaza as Health Ministry calls for Rafah opening

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least two people on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera. The attacks occurred in the Maghazi refugee camp, where a drone fired two missiles at a civilian car, killing two Palestinians and wounding others.

The wounded were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where they were immediately admitted to operating theatres or intensive care. One of the injured is in critical condition, according to the report.

Israeli attacks continued at a 'very high pace' across Gaza, with drone strikes hitting the centre and north of the territory. Israeli aircraft were flying at low altitude, according to Al Jazeera’s Ashraf Abu Amra.

In Jabalia, northern Gaza, an Israeli strike wounded a Palestinian who was taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Attacks were also escalating east of Jabalia in the Halawa camp, where Israeli forces began firing directly at tents sheltering displaced families.

Explosions were heard in eastern Gaza City, including Shujayea, Tuffah, and Zeitoun, due to Israeli artillery shelling. Large-scale demolitions are also taking place in areas under Israeli control behind the 'Yellow Line', destroying homes and local infrastructure.

In Rafah, near the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem crossings, an Israeli drone strike killed four Palestinians, including civilian employees of the Ministry of Economy monitoring aid trucks. Over 30 others were wounded in the attack, according to Al Jazeera’s Moath al-Kahlout.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that six Palestinians were killed and 38 wounded in the past 24 hours. The ministry renewed its call for the Rafah crossing to be opened to allow sick and wounded Palestinians to seek treatment abroad.

The ministry said 21,468 patients and wounded need to travel for care outside Gaza, including 6,430 priority cases. It blamed repeated border closures and delays in evacuation procedures for worsening patient conditions, noting dozens have died while waiting for permission to leave.