On Sunday night, the Israeli army carried out a series of intensive strikes in multiple locations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Political commentators referred to the strikes as “diversion” tactics, intended to cover a rescue operation that reportedly brought two Israeli hostages home.

For Palestinians, the experience was one that has become familiar: a “night full of horror.” More than a hundred people were killed, including entire families. Journalists were once again hit: Al Jazeera correspondent Ismail Abu Omar was forced to have his right leg amputated, adding to what has already been dubbed an “amputee crisis” in the enclave.

This was just the precursor. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have set their sights on a full-blown invasion of Rafah. The plans are justified by robotic recitations about the need to eradicate Hamas, a call now synonymous with the constant waves of horrific violence being unleashed against Gaza’s civilian population.