Rafah: The Sinai-Gaza oasis city divided by a contentious border

An Israeli ground offensive on Gaza's southern city of Rafah appears imminent, after weeks of intensified air strikes. 

The people in Rafah, whose history spans three millennia, are now living in what resembles a cramped, makeshift tent city.

Middle East Eye's Rayhan Uddin takes a look at the history of Rafah, from when it was swapped between various ancient and medieval empires and dynasties, to when a joint British-Ottoman decision began the process of dividing the city into two separate entities. 

The city's history includes one of the largest battles in ancient history, as well as a more recent battle resulting from a militant group declaring a short-lived "Islamic Emirate of Rafah". 

You can read the full story below. 

Rafah: The Sinai-Gaza oasis city divided by a contentious border