An Israeli tank brigade took operational control of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt as part of an offensive in the southern city of Rafah, despite ongoing cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. The move followed a period of uncertainty in the Israel-Hamas war, with Hamas initially accepting a cease-fire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, while Israel insisted the deal did not meet its demands. The diplomatic maneuvers and military actions allowed for a slim hope of a pause in the 7-month-old war that has caused significant devastation in Gaza.
The Israeli military entered the Rafah crossing early on Tuesday, seizing control of the crucial border crossing that serves as the main route for aid entering Gaza and an exit for those seeking to flee into Egypt. Israel has maintained full control of all access points in and out of Gaza since the start of the war. Footage released by the military showed tanks with Israeli flags entering the crossing, claiming it was taken over due to intelligence indicating terrorist activities in the area. The military also conducted ground troops and airstrikes targeting suspected Hamas positions in Rafah.
Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, confirmed that Israeli forces had taken control of the crossing and closed it temporarily. Strikes had been targeting the vicinity of the crossing since the previous day. The seizure of Rafah raised concerns about potential Palestinian refugees crossing into Egypt, which could jeopardize the 1979 peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. The offensive could also lead to further suffering for the 1.4 million Palestinians in Rafah who are already taking refuge in the area.
Egyptian officials had put forward a proposal for a cease-fire with multiple stages, including a limited hostage release and partial withdrawals of Israeli troops from Gaza. The plan also aimed to negotiate a “permanent calm” leading to a full hostage release and greater Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Hamas was looking for guarantees of an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the release of all hostages, but it was unclear if any changes were made to the proposal. Israeli leaders have reiterated their refusal to agree to such terms, pledging to continue their campaign until Hamas is destroyed following the group’s attack on Israel in October.
The ongoing conflict has left a glimmer of hope for a potential truce, despite the military actions and diplomatic posturing. The high-stakes negotiations and military maneuvers have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, with both sides seemingly unwilling to compromise on their core demands. The situation remains fragile, with the risk of an all-out assault on Rafah looming large. The involvement of Egypt and other regional actors adds to the complexity of the conflict, with the potential for broader implications beyond the immediate battlefield in Gaza.
