Amidst escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, reports suggest that Israel's planned all-out assault on the city of Rafah might have commenced. However, the focus remains on the remarkable resistance efforts by the Palestinian liberation organization, Hamas.

Before the anticipated operation in Rafah's south, Hamas has mounted significant resistance in the north, particularly in Zeitoun and Jabalia areas, where they have become a formidable challenge for the Israeli military. According to The Times of Israel, heavy clashes erupted in northern Gaza on Tuesday, resulting in casualties on both sides.

In a morning skirmish, Hamas fighters engaged in fierce combat with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in northern Gaza, leaving several soldiers seriously wounded. Concurrently, another explosion in the southern region injured five individuals. Additionally, the Israeli city of Ashkelon and adjacent areas faced rocket attacks from Gaza, disrupting the Independence Day celebrations.

Earlier, the IDF claimed to have intercepted three rockets fired from Gaza towards the southern city of Sderot. These attacks coincided with right-wing Jewish demonstrations demanding new Israeli settlements in Gaza.

Meanwhile, reports emerged of a significant fire at a warehouse in the Tel Hashoma military base in Ramat Gan, Israel. Although the cause remains unknown, speculations suggest it could be related to an explosion.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah, a key ally of Hamas, demonstrated solidarity by launching rockets towards the Mount Hermon area, prompting the Israeli military to be on high alert. A Hezbollah missile strike also downed an Israeli spy balloon on the Lebanese border, raising concerns about potential intelligence breaches.

As tensions escalate, the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for residents of Rafah, anticipating attacks from multiple fronts. The United Nations reported that over 500,000 Palestinians have fled or are seeking refuge in Rafah due to the conflict, exacerbating food shortages in the region.

Additionally, a UN worker was killed, and another injured in an Israeli attack on a UN vehicle in Rafah, raising concerns about humanitarian aid access amidst the escalating violence.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides showing no signs of backing down as the conflict in Gaza continues to intensify.