As of early June 2024, the situation in Rafah, Gaza, remains critical amidst ongoing Israeli military operations. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ordered Israel to cease its military activities in Rafah and to open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian aid. This order came in response to accusations from South Africa that Israel was violating the Genocide Convention. Despite the ICJ's directive, Israel's military operations have continued, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area​ .

The Israeli offensive, which began in early May 2024, has led to severe consequences for the civilian population. More than 800,000 people have fled their homes in Rafah, seeking refuge in overcrowded and under-resourced areas. The city's infrastructure has been heavily damaged, including the destruction of Najjar Hospital, which is no longer operational. The lack of fuel has severely impacted essential services such as bakeries, hospitals, and water wells, compounding the suffering of the displaced population​ .

The humanitarian response has been severely hampered by the ongoing conflict. The United Nations and other aid organizations have struggled to deliver aid due to the closure of the Rafah crossing and other logistical challenges. The UN estimates that only a fraction of the necessary aid has been able to enter Gaza, leading to shortages of food, medical supplies, and fuel. The situation has created a dire need for immediate international intervention to prevent a looming famine and further casualties among the civilian population​ .

Global calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas have intensified. The UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, emphasized the necessity of respecting the rules of war, ensuring civilian safety, and facilitating unhindered humanitarian relief. However, the international community's appeals have thus far been largely ignored by the parties involved in the conflict​ .

The situation is quite intense. Over 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah as Israel continues its attacks. The UN's Palestine Refugee agency has stopped providing health services in Rafah due to the mass exodus. The death toll in Rafah airstrike has risen to 50, and the situation is dire. International sentiment is shifting away from supporting Israel as the assault on Rafah continues. Hamas has agreed to a cease-fire proposal, but Israel has struck Rafah, stating that the deal is "far from" meeting its demands. Israeli forces claim to have control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, and the situation is escalating. The area is facing a humanitarian nightmare, and the fate of a ceasefire remains uncertain. It's a challenging time for the people in Rafah .

In summary, the situation in Rafah is deteriorating rapidly due to the ongoing Israeli military operations, despite international legal and humanitarian interventions. The civilian population is facing immense hardships, with urgent needs for food, medical care, and safe shelter remaining unmet. The international community continues to push for a ceasefire and greater access for humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the people in Rafah​ .