![Rafah residents report bombardment](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/06/13/multimedia/13mideast-crisis-mawasi-01-lbqg/13mideast-crisis-mawasi-01-lbqg-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp)
Residents and Palestinian media reported a night of heavy bombardment in the area of Rafah, in southern Gaza, on Thursday as the Israeli military said its forces had continued to operate “in face-to-face encounters” with Hamas militants there.
Saeed Lulu, a 37-year-old who is sheltering in the nearby area of Al-Mawasi — parts of which Israel has designated a “humanitarian zone” for people who have fled Rafah — said he heard strikes between midnight and 6 a.m., though he said he was not aware of any casualties. The strikes appeared to target the southwest edge of Al-Mawasi, he said.
“We are very concerned,” Mr. Lulu said. “This is supposed to be a safe area, and we have no other place to go to if they attack here,” he added.