CAIRO. Israeli forces have taken control of the vital Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Tanks were reported to have pushed into the southern Gazan city of Rafah as international mediators grapple with ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas immediately condemned the Israeli offensive, accusing Israel of undermining the ongoing truce talks in Cairo. The closure of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, the main arteries for aid into southern Gaza, has left the enclave virtually cut off from essential supplies, according to international aid agencies.
Israeli Army Radio confirmed the seizure of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, with footage showing tanks rolling through the complex and the Israeli flag raised on the Gaza side. Despite international appeals for restraint, Israeli strikes overnight resulted in the deaths of 54 Palestinians and injuries to 96 others across the enclave, according to the Gaza health ministry.
The situation on the ground is dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Raed al-Derby, amidst the rubble of his destroyed home, lamented the loss of his family and voiced resilience in the face of tragedy. With over a million seeking refuge in Rafah, many are attempting to evacuate, but find themselves with nowhere safe to go.
Israel has justified its actions as a necessary measure to target Hamas fighters and infrastructure in Rafah. However, Hamas contends that Israel’s incursion undermines ceasefire efforts. Mediator Egypt and the European Union have echoed concerns over civilian casualties and the impact on ceasefire negotiations.
The closure of the Rafah crossing, a lifeline for aid, has been met with condemnation from humanitarian organizations. Hisham Edwan of the Gaza Border Crossing Authority accused Israel of sentencing Gaza residents to death by cutting off access to essential supplies.
As ceasefire talks continue in Cairo, hopes for a cessation of hostilities remain uncertain. Hamas has signaled acceptance of a ceasefire proposal, but Israel has rejected the terms. Amidst the diplomatic efforts, civilians in Rafah face an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis, with little respite in sight.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
