IDF Seizes Control of Rafah Crossing in Gaza, Leaving Palestinians Stranded and Tensions High

The Israeli Army has seized control of the Palestinian part of the Rafah crossing, which serves as one of the main entry points for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. This move comes after threats of a possible military offensive against the city, which is home to nearly 1.4 million Palestinians.

In response to these threats, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated “targeted activity” in “limited areas” in eastern Rafah. The objective was to target “terrorist” infrastructures of Hamas, which had been using the crossing for their objectives. The IDF reported attacking and destroying several terrorist targets of Hamas, including military buildings, underground infrastructure, and other terrorist infrastructure. This operation resulted in the death of around 20 terrorists and led to the seizure of the Rafah crossing.

The IDF called on Palestinians living in eastern neighborhoods of Rafah to leave the area in face of an imminent military offensive. The Gaza Crossings and Borders Authority suspended passenger traffic and halted entry of humanitarian aid after the Israeli operation. International organizations have warned about the humanitarian impact of an attack on the city where most inhabitants are displaced from other parts of Gaza Strip. The Kerem Shalom crossing was also closed after an attack perpetrated by Hamas.

The situation remains tense as the Israeli Army continues its operations in eastern Rafah with no clear end in sight yet.