Palestine Latest Updates Amid Israeli Operation In Rafah
Despite Hamas informing Egypt and Qatar of its acceptance of their proposals for a ceasefire in Gaza, early Tuesday morning saw Israeli military vehicles observed near the Gaza Strip’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Reports suggested an Israeli intention to assume control of the Palestinian side of the crossing in the coming hours.
“Following intelligence that indicated that the Rafah Crossing in eastern Rafah was being used for terrorist purposes, IDF troops managed to establish operational control of the Gazan side of the crossing,” Israel Defense Forces officials said in a statement.
While Egypt strongly condemned Israeli military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah and the potential Israeli control over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing. According to Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath satellite channel, Israeli military vehicles were stationed 200 meters from the Rafah border crossing and targeted some of its buildings.
The situation escalated with Israel’s seizure and closure of the Rafah crossing in Gaza, raising concerns about further depletion of already few supplies, potentially leading to a catastrophic disaster.
This incursion occurred despite Hamas announcing its acceptance of a Gaza ceasefire proposal put forward by Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Israel stated its intention to continue military operations in Rafah.
Amidst these developments, the United Nations Secretary-General appealed to all parties involved in the Gaza conflict to do everything possible to achieve a ceasefire deal and prevent further death and destruction after seven months of war. António Guterres, the Secretary-General, remarked on the importance of seizing this crucial opportunity for peace talks, expressing distress over the renewed military activity in Rafah by the Israeli Defense Forces.
