The Israeli military has announced that it has taken operational control of the Palestinian side of Gaza’s southern Rafah crossing, which shares a border with Egypt.
This move comes alongside ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
According to Israeli military sources, special forces have been deployed to scan the area, focusing mainly on eastern Rafah, from where most civilians and some international organizations have reportedly evacuated in recent days.
The Kerem Shalom crossing, another critical entry point, has been temporarily closed due to security concerns. Israeli authorities have indicated that it will reopen once the security situation stabilizes.
These actions by the Israeli military follow Hamas’s acceptance of a ceasefire proposal put forth by mediators. However, Israel has expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the proposed ceasefire and has continued its military operations in Rafah while engaging in negotiations for a more acceptable agreement.
The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for seven months, has seen intensified strikes by Israeli forces targeting Rafah in Gaza’s southern region. Residents in affected areas have been instructed to evacuate, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Through its chief, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas conveyed acceptance of the ceasefire proposal to Qatari and Egyptian mediators. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has stated that the proposal falls short of Israel’s demands, necessitating further negotiations.
In response to these developments, Qatar has announced that its delegation will travel to Cairo to participate in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, aiming to broker a lasting ceasefire agreement.
Despite the challenges, there remains optimism among international observers. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has expressed confidence that a deal is “absolutely achievable” and has pledged support for ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The conflict erupted following a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October, resulting in extensive casualties and abductions on both sides. Efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire have faced obstacles, primarily due to differing demands regarding hostages and the long-term resolution of the conflict.
Hamas officials have indicated that the proposed ceasefire aligns with their priorities, including reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Concurrently, Israeli authorities have maintained their strategic objectives, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians and address the threat posed by Hamas fighters in Rafah.
International stakeholders, including the United States, have urged caution and emphasized protecting civilian lives amidst military operations. Concerns have been raised about potential humanitarian crises in Gaza if the conflict escalates further.
As negotiations continue and military actions unfold, the fate of civilians in conflict zones like Rafah remains a critical concern. The international community awaits developments in ceasefire talks, hoping for a lasting resolution that ensures peace and stability for all affected regions.
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