Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. The U.N. warned of a potential collapse of aid to Palestinians from the closure of Rafah and Kerem Shalom. The move came after Hamas accepted a cease-fire proposal, but Israel insisted it did not meet its core demands. The situation left a glimmer of hope for a pause in the war that has killed over 34,700 Palestinians and devastated Gaza.
The incursion into Rafah, though not a full-fledged offensive, raised concerns about widening the rift between Israel and the United States. President Joe Biden warned against invading the city and ordered Palestinians to evacuate parts of Rafah. Cheers of joy over the cease-fire acceptance turned to fear as families fled, unsure of their next destination. Israeli forces took operational control of the Rafah crossing, alleging it was being used for terrorist purposes.
Israel’s seizure of the crossing prompted condemnation from Egypt and sparked concerns about jeopardizing regional security. Netanyahu views an offensive into Rafah as crucial to destroying Hamas after its attack on southern Israel triggered the war. Amid the ongoing military operations, Israeli authorities denied U.N. access to Rafah crossing, threatening the aid operation’s survival. Israeli strikes across Rafah overnight killed at least 23 Palestinians, including women and children.
As Israel announced Rafah operations, it rejected the cease-fire proposal accepted by Hamas but agreed to send a delegation to Egypt for negotiations. The proposal outlined a phased release of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, leading to a sustainable calm. Hamas, believed to still hold around 100 Israelis captive, demanded an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal in exchange for releasing all hostages. Israeli leaders reject this trade-off, vowing to continue the war until all hostages are released and Hamas is destroyed.
The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with Israeli forces controlling the vital border crossing and ongoing military operations. The fate of aid to Palestinians hangs in the balance, with concerns about a potential collapse of the humanitarian operation. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has entered a critical stage, with diplomatic efforts continuing to seek a resolution to the violence that has plagued the region for months. The international community closely watches developments, hoping for a breakthrough that can bring an end to the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
