Morning recap

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Here are the latest updates from Israel's war on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank:

• Palestinian media say Israeli warplanes launched a fresh round of intense strikes on Rafah overnight, with ground forces firing near the Morag axis. Residents reported heavy bombardment across southern Gaza as the occupation expanded its attacks on the besieged city.

• In the village of Ar’ara, in the occupied West Bank Israeli forces forced a Palestinian man to demolish his two homes, citing the usual pretext of missing building permits. Local communities say these demolitions are part of Israel’s ongoing effort to push Palestinians off their land under the guise of planning regulations.

• Reporters Without Borders says 67 journalists were killed worldwide in the last year, almost half of them in Gaza at the hands of Israeli forces. The organisation warned that the scale of media deaths in Palestine exposes a pattern of targeting press workers during Israel’s genocide.

• Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University before dawn, entering through three gates and detaining campus guards, according to WAFA. University officials postponed classes and administrative work until 9am, citing concerns for the safety of students and staff after the raid.

• Israeli jets carried out a new series of air attacks in southern Lebanon late on Monday, striking Mount Safi, Jbaa, the Zefta Valley, and areas between Azza and Rumin Arki. Local media described several waves of strikes as tensions rose along the border.