Israel’s military has taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Fighting has stopped aid from entering Gaza through this crossing.
Key points:
- Israel’s forces captured the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing
- This is a main entry point for aid going into Gaza
- Aid groups say the flow of aid into Gaza has now stopped
- Israel launched airstrikes in eastern Rafah overnight
- Hamas had agreed to a proposed ceasefire, but Israel rejected the deal
Will the fighting end soon, or will the conflict continue? Read on to learn more.
Israel Captures Rafah Crossing into Gaza
Israel’s military says its forces have taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. This crossing borders Egypt and southern Gaza.
New pictures show the view from an Israeli military vehicle at the crossing. Aid groups working there say aid can no longer flow through the crossing into Gaza.
Israel kept bombing the Rafah area overnight. This was after Israel rejected a ceasefire proposal put forward by international mediators and agreed to by Hamas.
Israel says the ceasefire plan did not meet its core demands to weaken Hamas’ capabilities in Gaza.
Talks Continue Despite Fighting
Despite the fighting, Israel is sending officials today to indirect ceasefire talks in Cairo, Egypt.
However, Israel’s army says it will continue military operations in Gaza for now. The army spokesman said:
“We examine every ceasefire proposal very seriously…At the same time, we carry on with our operations in the Gaza Strip and will continue to do so.”
Mounting Civilian Suffering in Gaza
The latest Israeli attacks targeted eastern Rafah, where leaflets told civilians to evacuate the area. Families had to leave their homes and shelters once again.
One woman in Rafah, a refugee for seven months, said, “This has been the daily reality” of fleeing violence.
Another orphan boy grieved the loss of relatives killed in the war, saying, “Even he was killed. So many here are grieving and exhausted.”
Despite hopes that the Hamas-approved deal could bring peace, celebrations in Gaza turned to fear as Israel’s strikes resumed.
What’s Next?
Will the indirect talks in Cairo produce a lasting ceasefire that ends the fighting? Or will the conflict drag on, causing more civilian suffering?
Both sides seem far apart, with Israel insisting it must destroy Hamas’ capabilities first. Hamas wants an easing of the blockade on Gaza.
Only time will tell if common ground can be found to stop the deadly cycle of violence. What solution do you think would be fair for Israelis and Palestinians?
