An Israeli tank brigade seized control of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt as part of an offensive in the southern city, despite ongoing cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. The situation remains on a knife’s edge as Israel and Hamas make diplomatic moves and engage in military operations. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch a full-scale offensive on Rafah due to the catastrophic impact it would have on the Palestinian population in the area.
The Israeli incursion into Rafah appeared to be limited in scope, with the 401st Brigade taking operational control of the border point. The crossing is a crucial lifeline for aid entering the Gaza Strip and for those seeking to flee into Egypt. The closure of both Rafah and the Kerem Shalom crossing has disrupted the flow of essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.N. warned that an assault on Rafah could lead to unprecedented levels of need, including the possibility of a famine.
The Israeli military claimed that the seizure of the crossing was necessary because it was being used for terrorist purposes, although evidence to support this assertion was not immediately provided. Ground troops and airstrikes targeted suspected Hamas positions in Rafah as part of the operation. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and caused widespread devastation in Gaza. There are concerns about civilian casualties if Israel were to launch a full offensive on Rafah.
The situation has strained relations between Netanyahu and Biden, with the U.S. president advocating for a cease-fire deal as the best way to secure the return of hostages held by Hamas and bring an end to the conflict. Despite Hamas accepting a cease-fire proposal, Israel stated that it did not meet its core demands and continued military operations in Rafah. The proposal included a phased release of hostages, withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the eventual establishment of a “sustainable calm” in the region.
The cease-fire negotiations involved consultations with CIA chief William Burns, who supported the proposed deal. Hamas has demanded an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the release of all hostages. Israeli leaders have rejected this trade-off, insisting on the destruction of Hamas. The conflict has intensified tensions in the region and raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Efforts to secure a lasting cease-fire continue amidst ongoing violence and military operations.
