Slowly but surely, Israel tightens its grip on Gaza’s lifeline to Egypt

Roads have been widened for the military in Rafah surrounded by total destruction. Photograph: Ohad Zwigenberg/Reuters

In the months before the Israeli invasion, Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah was a lifeline, a place where thousands sought shelter or scrabbled to raise funds to cross into neighbouring Egypt.

Now satellite images and social media video uploaded by Israeli soldiers stationed around the city show roads widened for armoured vehicles surrounded by total destruction, including buildings razed to the ground in the once bustling city.