Tank fire and intense gunfights have demolished many surrounding buildings and as many as 650 people have been seized by troops besieging the area.
The onslaught came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu in a desperate bid to halt a feared ground assault on the Rafah enclave.
They discussed a US plan to avoid the attack, agree a ceasefire and save the lives of many of the 100 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
It came as Russia and China vetoed a US-promoted UN Security Council resolution demanding an "immediate ceasefire with no time limit" across Gaza.
The move was slammed as "deeply cynical" by US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who claimed they rejected the proposal because it was America who put it forward.
This story is from the March 23, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 23, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KELLY CATES EXCLUSIVE When Dad's at home and gets worked up about what someone says... he will text me live on air
SIR KENNY DALGLISH becomes so riled by the opinions of pundits, he will text his presenter daughter while she's on air.
MOTD THE OLD DOO NEEDS SOME NEW TRICKS
Don't just put on a sub for Lineker... TV coverage of football has moved on...the show needs a whole tactical rethink
THE SPECIAL 2.0
Petit reckons Amorim can be as big a hit in Premier League as Jose and sweep United to glory
BOKS CLEVER
Reinach: Rassie's attention to detail gets us over finishing line
That's yer plot
Channel 5 ditches The Wives, with plenty of business left unfinished
KEE TO SUCCESS
Loss-making UKA plans to cash in on fame of golden girl Hodgkinson and get its finances back on track
PM pledges to cut emissions by 81%
But Starmer rules out enforcing lifestyle changes
'Our friendship would enrage AI Fayed... and that's fantastic
Alleged victims form bond after speaking out
Sir Chris: There's a lot of life left to live
Cancer-hit Olympian speaks of future
Despots make a deal
Putin and Kim deal ratified as Ukraine attack is predicted
