Israeli forces thrust deeper into Rafah

Fighting rages as diplomatic efforts to secure cease-fire remain unabated

JERUSALEM/GAZA — Israeli forces advanced deeper into the western part of Rafah, amid one of the worst nights of bombardment, as Israel and Hamas' difficult-to-reconcile positions cast doubt on the prospect of a truce deal.

Residents in Rafah said on Thursday that Israeli forces thrust toward the Al-Mawasi area of Rafah near the beach, which is designated as a humanitarian area in all announcements and maps published by the Israeli army since it began its Rafah offensive in May.

But the Israeli military denied in a statement it had launched any strikes inside the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.