On Monday night, Israel's entrance into Rafah has sparked concerns over a potential humanitarian crisis in the region. Hamas has labeled the move as a 'humanitarian catastrophe,' stating that it poses a direct threat to over 1.5 million displaced Palestinians.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly launched a ground operation in Rafah, taking control of the Palestinian side of the border crossing with Egypt. This action has raised alarms among various groups, including Gaza’s Ministry of Interior and National Security, who warned that closing the Rafah crossing could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of the Rafah crossing as a vital lifeline for the citizens of Gaza, allowing for the entry of essential humanitarian aid. They argued that the closure of the crossing represents a policy of collective punishment against the more than 2 million people living in the region.
In response, the IDF stated that their ground troops initiated a counterterrorism operation in specific areas of eastern Rafah. The operation, based on intelligence, aims to dismantle Hamas infrastructure in the area.
The Rafah crossing, Gaza's only border facility not previously controlled by Israel, has played a crucial role in allowing limited humanitarian aid to enter the enclave in recent months. Its closure could further isolate Gaza from the outside world and exacerbate the already challenging conditions faced by its residents.
