The Israeli Army has seized control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, which serves as a major gateway for humanitarian aid to Gaza. This move comes after threats of a military offensive against the city, home to over 1.4 million Palestinians.
According to a statement on its website, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated “targeted activity” in “limited areas” in eastern Rafah, with the aim of taking out “terrorist infrastructure” belonging to Hamas. The IDF claimed that terrorists were using the crossing for their operations, leading to its seizure.
In addition to seizing the Rafah crossing, the IDF also reportedly attacked and destroyed several terrorist targets belonging to Hamas, including military buildings and underground infrastructure. This operation resulted in the death of around 20 terrorists, with three tunnels in the area having been located so far, with no casualties among military personnel.
The Israeli Army called on Palestinians living in eastern neighborhoods of Rafah to evacuate immediately due to an imminent military offensive. The Gaza Crossings and Borders Authority confirmed that passenger traffic and humanitarian aid entry have been suspended following the Israeli operation.
International organizations have warned about the potential humanitarian impact of an attack on a city where most residents are displaced from other parts of Gaza. The Kerem Shalom crossing was also closed following an attack carried out by Hamas.
The Israeli authorities have blocked access to the crossing, sentencing Palestinian residents to death as condemned by spokesman for Gaza Crossing and Border Authority. Tensions remain high as Israel continues its operations in the area.
Israeli forces continue their activities in Rafah City after seizing control of its Palestinian side