Israel launched airstrikes into Rafah killing at least 67 people with the death toll expected to increase according to the Gaza health ministry

The strikes happened as Israel Defense Forces conducted a raid that rescued two Israeli hostages

Most of the 1.7 million displaced Palestinians who are currently sheltering in Rafah, fled to the city after being instructed by the IDF to evacuate their homes months ago

Meanwhile, South Africa says it has lodged an urgent request with the International Court of Justice to consider whether Israel`s military operations targeting the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip constitute a breach of the provisional orders the court handed down in the genocide case last month

South Africa made the announcement on Tuesday and said in a statement that it had asked the court to weigh whether Israel`s indication that it would launch a ground offensive in Rafah where 1.7 million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting represents a further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza

The International Court of Justice handed down a preliminary ruling last month in South Africa`s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. The ruling ordered Israel to do all it can do prevent the deaths of Palestinian civilians

Israel and Hamas are making progress toward a deal that aims to bring about a cease-fire and free hostages held in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, according to two officials with direct knowledge of the talks, as key meetings continue Tuesday between the sides in the Egyptian capital