SEAToday.com, Rafah - Israel had carried out airstrikes in southern Gaza’s Rafah on Monday (2/12) midnight, killing dozens and injuring hundreds of Palestinians.

The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported at least 63 deaths in the city which is currently crowded with more than half Gaza’s population, or around 1.4 million Palestinians, who seek shelter from Israeli bombardment who had turned the rest of Gaza into ruins. Palestinian officials stated that the strike hit 14 houses and three mosques in Rafah.

The attack came after a ceasefire deal, which included the release of hostages, fell through. Israeli military officials said that it had rescued two captives during the operation in Rafah. However, Hamas had previously warned Israeli ground assault in Rafah would “blow up” negotiations to release the remaining captives.

Israeli PM Netanyahu promised “safe passage” for Palestinians in Rafah, but the lack of clarity about evacuation plans has prompted fears that they may be pushed into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.