On Tuesday, the Israeli Army took control of the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza Strip with Egypt. This crossing serves as one of the main entry points for humanitarian aid to the enclave. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated in a published statement that they have initiated targeted activity in limited areas in eastern Rafah with the objective of targeting terrorist infrastructures of Hamas.
Prior to the military operation, the IDF coordinated with international organizations operating in the area to ensure their safety. The Army called on Palestinians residing in eastern neighborhoods of Rafah to evacuate the area in anticipation of the military offensive. However, there were concerns about the humanitarian impact of the attack on the city.
The Gaza Crossings and Borders Authority confirmed that passenger traffic and entry of humanitarian aid have been suspended after the Israeli operation, leading to concerns about access to vital resources for Palestinian residents. The Kerem Shalom crossing was closed after a Hamas attack, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The Palestinian newspaper ‘Filastin’ reported that Israeli authorities have blocked crossings, condemning Palestinian residents to death by hindering access to humanitarian aid. The IDF shared videos and photographs showing their forces in action in Rafah, sparking controversy among international leaders who criticized Israel’s actions as excessive and disproportionate.
