In a move that has raised tensions in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have taken control of the Rafah border crossing from the Palestinian side, effectively closing it. This has prevented both people and humanitarian aid from passing through, according to Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the United Nations Humanitarian Coordination Office. Talks are still underway in Cairo with the aim of reaching a ceasefire, but progress is slow.
The closure of Rafah has severely impacted the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where most of the limited assistance has entered through this key passage. The secondary crossing at Kerem Shalom was also closed by Israel recently, leaving two main arteries for aid into Gaza sealed off. The Israeli authorities are not allowing UN humanitarian personnel near the border crossing to coordinate efforts to resume humanitarian movements.
Israeli tanks entered Rafah in southern Gaza and took control of the border crossing with Egypt, sparking condemnation from Egyptian authorities who called it a dangerous escalation that threatens the lives of over one million Palestinians who rely on this crossing for their livelihoods. Al Jazeera reports that Israeli artillery fire has intensified in Rafah as well.
International concern is growing over the potential for an Israeli land invasion in Rafah and its impact on civilians and humanitarian operations in Gaza. Efforts are ongoing to reach a ceasefire through negotiations between various parties, including Hamas and Israel, but progress is slow due to gaps between their positions.
