The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been closed due to the presence of Israeli tanks, according to a Gaza border official speaking to Reuters news agency. This follows reports that the Israeli Armed Forces have taken over the Rafah border crossing on the Gaza side, as announced by Israeli media outlets such as Haaretz and Reuters.
The Armed Forces have stated that they have destroyed over 150 targets belonging to the extremist organization Hamas and killed at least 20 of its members. Many civilians who have fled the war from other parts of Gaza have sought refuge in Rafah, which is situated on the border between Gaza and Egypt.
Social media has shared videos of tanks in Rafah, and aid delivery to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Gaza, Israel, and Egypt has been suspended. On Monday, Israel issued an evacuation order for the eastern parts of Rafah, followed by numerous airstrikes. The United States and the UN have voiced opposition to Israel starting a ground operation in Rafah.
Israeli forces have been situated east of Rafah since Monday evening, conducting searches in the area. At least five people were reported killed in Rafah by early Tuesday morning airstrikes, with others injured. The ceasefire proposal presented by Hamas was not accepted by Israeli leadership because it did not meet their demands. As a result, Israeli airstrikes continue despite the ceasefire offer.
The possible terms of the ceasefire include a phased approach aimed at ending hostilities and prisoner exchanges. The ongoing battles in Gaza have had devastating humanitarian consequences, leading to significant loss of life and destruction of residential buildings. Over 34,700 people have been killed in Gaza so far, with most being women and children. More than 70% of Gaza’s residential buildings have been destroyed as a result of this conflict.
The closure of this crucial border crossing has resulted in severe shortages for both food supplies and medical care for Palestinians living in this region.
Israeli forces are using advanced military technology such as drones equipped with high-precision missiles capable of destroying key infrastructure like bridges or roads that support aid delivery into Palestinian territories.
The situation remains volatile as tensions continue to rise between Israelis and Palestinians over territorial disputes.