Local authorities have sounded the alarm over the “unfolding genocide” in the southern Gaza Strip as Palestinian civilians trapped in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah continue to endure relentless Israeli attacks.

In a statement issued Monday, the Rafah Municipality warned that thousands of civilians—including children, women, and the elderly—are caught in the crossfire, unable to escape as Israeli bombardments continue to devastate the area.

“Tel al-Sultan is facing extermination. Entire families are stranded under the ruins of their homes, deprived of food, water, and medical aid, as the healthcare system has completely collapsed,” the statement read.

Officials further stressed that those wounded in Israeli airstrikes are left without medical assistance, with many succumbing to their injuries.

"Children are perishing from starvation and dehydration due to the ongoing siege and unrelenting attacks," the municipality added.

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents of Tel al-Sultan on Sunday, prompting a mass displacement as thousands fled in anticipation of heavy assaults. That same night, Israeli warplanes launched a series of intense airstrikes, causing multiple casualties.

Since last Tuesday, when Israel abruptly resumed its aerial offensive on Gaza—shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in place since January—more than 800 Palestinians have been killed, and over 1,200 others wounded.

The overall toll from Israel’s military campaign on Gaza, which began in October 2023, has surpassed 50,100 Palestinian deaths—most of them women and children—while over 113,500 have sustained injuries.