In a troubling turn of events in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli troops have seized control of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing. The operation, described by the White House as limited, has raised concerns about a potential collapse in aid flow to Palestinians, as the U.N. warns of dire consequences.
Talks between the warring parties over a cease-fire and the release of hostages are said to be on a knife’s edge, with military brinkmanship and diplomatic maneuvers playing out behind the scenes. A cease-fire proposal was reportedly accepted by Hamas but rejected by Israel, further widening the rift between the Israeli government and the U.S.
The U.S. has even paused a shipment of bombs to Israel over concerns about a full-scale assault, as fighting in the area forces the evacuation of a medical center in Rafah. Families are fleeing the area amid Israeli airstrikes, adding to fears that hope for a cease-fire deal is quickly fading.
Israeli military officials claim the Rafah crossing is used for terrorist purposes and have targeted Hamas positions in the area. The U.N. has been denied access to the crossing by Israeli authorities, as airstrikes across Rafah have resulted in the deaths of at least 23 Palestinians.
Egypt has condemned Israel’s seizure of the border crossing, while brokers continue to work towards securing a cease-fire agreement and the release of hostages. Despite Hamas accepting a draft cease-fire proposal with minor changes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected demands and plans to launch an offensive after the release of hostages, further escalating tensions in the region.
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