Israel has expanded its military operation in Rafah, seizing control of the border crossing and threatening a ground offensive that could lead to civilian casualties. Despite warnings from the US, the UN, and the EU, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to defy international pressure.
The seizure of the Rafah crossing, the last remaining land route for aid into Gaza, and the closure of the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing have escalated the humanitarian crisis in the region. The offensive also comes in the midst of ceasefire negotiations brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
The IDF has issued evacuation orders to Palestinians in Rafah, directing them to the al-Mawasi area along the Mediterranean coast. However, aid agencies have warned that the area lacks infrastructure to accommodate an influx of people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The offensive in Rafah has raised questions about the prospects of a ceasefire, with Netanyahu rejecting a proposed deal by Hamas. Pressure from far-right coalition partners and Israeli protesters to take a harder stance against Hamas complicates Netanyahu’s decision-making.
International figures, including the European Union’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell, have criticized Israel’s offensive, warning of the potential for civilian casualties. The situation in Rafah remains tense, with uncertainty surrounding the outcome of ceasefire negotiations and the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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