The Israeli military has reportedly taken control of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, effectively sealing off Gaza from the rest of the region.
Israel’s 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing on Tuesday morning, signalling a ground operation in the southern city. This move comes amid ongoing tensions and prospects for a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
The Palestinian group governing Gaza had recently accepted an Egyptian-Qatari mediated ceasefire proposal. However, Israel maintained that the deal did not meet its core demands, leading to continued military action.
The Rafah crossing serves as a crucial lifeline for Gaza. It is the main route for aid entering the besieged enclave and an exit point for those seeking refuge in Egypt. The seizure of the crossing raises humanitarian concerns, as it disrupts essential supplies and restricts movement for civilians already facing hardships.
As the Israeli military intensified its bombardment of Rafah, civilians were instructed to evacuate. Arabic text messages, phone calls, and flyers directed people toward al-Mawasi on the Mediterranean Sea coast, where a humanitarian zone with field hospitals and medical supplies was set up.
Overnight airstrikes in Rafah resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians and injuries to several others. Houses were targeted, adding to the toll of civilian lives lost. Despite warnings from the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and international humanitarian organizations, Israel proceeded with the offensive. Concerns about the catastrophic impact on civilians persist.