The Israeli forces have shut down the Rafah crossing, preventing people and aid from passing through. Talks are ongoing in Cairo to reach a ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has completed the construction of an artificial port to deliver aid to Gaza.
The UN has condemned Israel’s actions, stating that the closure of both Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings is creating a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Egyptian tanks have entered Rafah, and the IDF has taken control of the border crossing with Egypt, cutting off a crucial humanitarian passage.
Egypt has criticized Israeli control of the Rafah crossing, calling it an escalation. The situation in Rafah has intensified, with reports of artillery fire hitting government buildings. The UN warns of severe humanitarian risks for civilians in the region.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments in Gaza as efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement continue. Qatar and the US are mediating discussions between Hamas and Israel’s positions, but there are still gaps between them. An Israeli official criticizes the mediators for siding with Hamas.
Hamas sees Israel’s attack on the Rafah crossing as an attempt to sabotage ceasefire negotiations. Despite this, both sides remain tense as they struggle to find an agreement that will bring peace to Gaza.
In response to Israel’s closure of the Rafah crossing, Egypt has opened up alternative routes for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza through its ports on the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
Meanwhile, Palestinian activists have been protesting against Israel’s blockade of Gaza by throwing stones and setting fires at military checkpoints near border crossings.
The United Nations continues to pressurize Israel into lifting its blockade of Gaza, stating that it violates international law and causes significant human rights abuses against Palestinians living in the territory.
Despite this pressure, Israel maintains that it needs to maintain tight security measures around its borders due to threats from terrorist groups such as Hamas.