Israel takes control of Gaza’s crucial Rafah crossing | Global News

Israeli troops seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday in a dramatic move that has raised fears of a full-scale invasion of the southern city. The White House described the operation as limited, but tensions remain high as ceasefire talks with Hamas hang in the balance.

The UN has warned of a potential collapse in aid flow to Palestinians due to the closure of Rafah and the Kerem Shalom crossing, with officials reporting a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza. The Israeli incursion comes after a series of back-and-forth moves in the ongoing conflict, with Hamas accepting a ceasefire proposal that Israel deemed insufficient.

By capturing the Rafah crossing, Israel now has full control over the entry and exit of people and goods for the first time since 2005. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the move as a step towards dismantling Hamas’ capabilities, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of further action if ceasefire talks fail.

The operation has forced the evacuation of the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital, a key medical center in Rafah. The looming threat of a wider offensive has strained relations between Israel and the US, with President Joe Biden cautioning against a full-scale invasion.

As families in Rafah flee their homes in anticipation of further violence, the situation remains tense and uncertain. Many fear the worst as Israeli airstrikes continue to target the city, with concerns growing over the fate of the 1.3 million Palestinians caught in the crossfire.

With the possibility of a humanitarian crisis looming, the world watches anxiously as the conflict in Gaza escalates, with hopes for a peaceful resolution fading by the day.