In recent developments, the Rafah border crossing has been closed due to Israeli tanks, as reported by a Gaza border official to Reuters news agency. According to a statement from the Israeli Armed Forces, Israeli troops have taken over the Rafah border crossing on the Gaza side. The armed forces have stated that more than 150 targets of the extremist organization Hamas have been destroyed and at least 20 of its members have been killed.
The closure of the border has affected many civilians who have fled war-torn areas of Gaza and sought refuge in Rafah, which is located on the border between Gaza and Egypt. Videos of tanks in Rafah have surfaced on social media, and the delivery of aid to Gaza through the border crossing has been suspended.
Israel has issued an evacuation order for the eastern parts of Rafah followed by numerous airstrikes with the intention of starting a ground operation in the area. However, this move has been opposed by the United States and the UN. The local hospital in Rafah has reported casualties from Israeli airstrikes with at least five people killed and several others injured.
In response to Israel’s actions, Islamic Jihad’s military wing fired rockets from Gaza towards southern Israel amidst escalating violence. The UN Secretary-General has warned against a ground attack on Rafah due to its devastating humanitarian consequences. Hamas has accepted a cease-fire proposal to end fighting in Gaza but Israeli airstrikes continue.
The proposed ceasefire would involve multiple phases including cessation of hostilities, prisoner exchanges, Gaza reconstruction plans and end of blockade maintained by Israel. The battle in Gaza has resulted in a high number of casualties and extensive damage to residential buildings leading to calls for immediate action to bring about peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians continues with escalating tensions between both sides resulting in significant humanitarian consequences for civilians caught up in crossfire. Immediate action is needed from all parties involved before it’s too late for those affected by this conflict.
