Israeli Tanks Seize Control of Gaza’s Rafah Border Crossing Despite Cease-Fire Negotiations
In a bold move that has sparked controversy and concern, Israeli tanks have seized control of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing, despite warnings from allies and ongoing cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. The foray into Rafah comes after Hamas accepted an Egyptian-Qatari mediated cease-fire proposal, which was rejected by Israel.
U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching an invasion of Rafah, but the Israeli military went ahead and seized operational control of the crucial border point. The closure of Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings is already affecting the flow of aid to Gaza, and further disruption could lead to unprecedented levels of need and famine in the region.
Israeli airstrikes and bombardment in Rafah have resulted in the deaths of at least 23 Palestinians, adding to fears of civilian casualties as Israel plans to attack even further. Israel claims to have seized Rafah due to intelligence of terrorist activities in the area, but the move has been met with mixed reactions internationally.
Netanyahu and Biden are reportedly at odds over the conduct of the war and cease-fire negotiations, with Hamas agreeing to a proposal for a phased release of hostages and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Hamas is demanding an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal in return for the hostages, a trade-off that Israeli leaders have rejected. They vow to continue the war until the hostages are released and Hamas is destroyed, setting the stage for a tense and uncertain future in the region.
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