Israel has launched a military operation on Gaza’s southernmost city Rafah, seizing operational control of the border crossing that is a major route for humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that seizing the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing was a crucial step towards dismantling Hamas’ military and economic capabilities.
The United States has emphasized that this operation is not the full-scale ground assault that Israel has been threatening for weeks, but rather a strategic move to cut off arms and funds to Hamas. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby clarified that the operation was limited and aimed at preventing Hamas from smuggling weapons and funds into Gaza.
However, there has been strong international criticism of Israel’s actions in Rafah. More than 1.4 million Palestinians, displaced from other parts of Gaza, have sought shelter in Rafah, living in dire conditions with limited access to essential resources.
A senior Hamas official condemned Israel’s seizure of the border crossing, calling it a violation of international law and norms. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that a full-scale invasion of Rafah would lead to a “humanitarian nightmare.”
With the Rafah crossing now blocked to trucks, the UN has highlighted the closure of Gaza’s main aid arteries. Despite this, the White House announced that Israel plans to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Wednesday.
The situation in Rafah remains tense as Israel’s military operation continues to unfold, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact on the civilian population in the area.