Israel takes control of Gaza’s entire border with Egypt – Middle East and Africa

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Israeli Forces Gain Control of Buffer Zone Along Gaza-Egypt Border, Continuing Deadly Raids on Rafah

In a bold move, Israeli forces have taken control of a buffer zone along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, effectively giving Israel authority over the entire land border of the Palestinian territory. This announcement came from the country’s military on Wednesday, sparking concerns and condemnation from various international bodies.

Despite an order from the International Court of Justice to end attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza, Israel continued deadly raids in the area. The city, which had become a refuge for half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, was the target of Israeli tanks moving into the heart of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday.

Chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari explained that Israeli forces had gained “operational” control over the “Philadelphi Corridor”, a 14 km-long corridor along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt. This corridor had been used by Hamas to smuggle weapons into the area, according to Hagari.

The World Court had criticized Israel for not explaining how it would ensure the safety and well-being of evacuees from Rafah, as well as calling on Hamas to release hostages taken from Israel. The situation in Rafah escalated as Israeli tanks pushed into various areas, leading to distress calls from residents and casualties among civilians.

Palestinian health officials reported that 19 civilians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza. The Health Minister of Gaza urged Washington to pressure Israel to open the Rafah crossing for aid, as patients were dying due to lack of treatment.

Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated that the fighting in Gaza would continue throughout 2024, as Israel aimed to end Hamas rule in the region. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Israel of the risks of lawlessness and chaos in Gaza if a post-war plan was not crafted.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian casualties, with Israel launching its offensive after Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities and seized hostages. Talks of a ceasefire and hostage release were ongoing, with Hamas insisting on an end to the offensive in Rafah.

The armed wing of Hamas and its allies engaged in confrontations with Israeli forces in Rafah, resulting in casualties on both sides. The situation in Gaza remained dire, with reports of widespread destruction, casualties, and a significant drop in humanitarian aid entering the enclave.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for an end to the violence. The plight of civilians caught in the crossfire remains a major concern, with efforts to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict.