Israel has taken control of Gaza's entire border with Egypt and is conducting raids into Rafah.
Summary of Latest Developments:
- Israeli forces have gained operational control over the Gaza-Egypt border corridor, as confirmed by a military official.
- Tanks have been deployed by Israel on raids into Rafah in southern Gaza.
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to develop a post-war plan for Gaza and warned of potential chaos.
- Despite an International Court of Justice order to cease attacks on Rafah, Israel has continued its lethal incursions into the area. This ongoing military action has impacted the large number of Gaza residents who sought shelter there.
During a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced that Israeli forces have achieved "operational" dominance over the "Philadelphi Corridor," the Israeli military's designation for the 14-kilometer (9-mile) passageway along the Gaza Strip's sole border with Egypt. Hagari highlighted that the corridor had been a crucial channel for Hamas to clandestinely transport weapons into the Gaza Strip, underscoring Hamas's role as the governing armed Palestinian entity in the besieged region.
Hagari did not elaborate on the specifics of "operational" control, although an earlier Israeli military official mentioned the presence of Israeli troops on the ground in certain sections of the corridor.
The border with Egypt along the southern perimeter was the only land boundary of the Gaza Strip not directly under Israeli control.
On Wednesday, Israeli tanks conducted raids in Rafah. They penetrated deep into the heart of Rafah on Tuesday, disregarding a directive from the highest United Nations court to cease the attack on the city immediately.
The International Court stated that Israel had not clarified their plans for ensuring the safety of evacuees from Rafah and providing essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine. Additionally, the court's ruling called for Hamas to promptly and unconditionally release hostages taken from Israel on October 7.
Residents of Rafah reported that Israeli tanks had advanced into Tel Al-Sultan in the west, Yibna, and areas near Shaboura in the center before withdrawing towards a buffer zone along the border with Egypt, deviating from their usual strategy of maintaining a stationary position during previous offensives.
"We received distress calls from residents in Tel Al-Sultan as drones targeted displaced civilians moving from their temporary shelters towards safer areas," stated Haitham al Hams, the deputy director of ambulance and emergency services in Rafah.
According to Palestinian health authorities, Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 19 civilians. Israel alleges that Hamas militants are using civilians as shields, a claim refuted by Gaza's ruling Islamist faction.
Health Minister Majed Abu Raman appealed to Washington to pressure Israel into allowing aid through the Rafah crossing, citing the urgent need for medical assistance in Gaza where patients are perishing due to lack of treatment.
Israel's National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, declared that the conflict in Gaza will persist at least until 2024, indicating that Israel is not prepared to bring the hostilities to a halt as demanded by Hamas in exchange for the release of its hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Hanegbi emphasized that the fighting in Rafah serves a purpose, expressing Israel's objective to dismantle Hamas' governance in Gaza and prevent attacks by Hamas and its allies on Israel.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Israel must develop a post-war strategy for Gaza to prevent lawlessness, chaos, and a potential resurgence of Hamas in the region.
Despite being Israel's closest ally, the U.S. reiterated its opposition to a significant ground operation in Rafah on Tuesday, stating there were no indications of such an action underway.
The health ministry in Gaza reported that over 36,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israel's offensive in the enclave.
Israel initiated military action after Hamas-affiliated militants targeted southern Israeli communities on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the seizure of more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages remain challenging, with Hamas insisting that talks are futile unless Israel halts its offensive in Rafah.
Hamas' armed wing and its allies, Islamic Jihad, engaged Israeli forces in Rafah using anti-tank rockets, mortar bombs, and explosive devices, leading to significant casualties on the Israeli side.
The escalation of violence has prompted a mass exodus of around one million Palestinians who sought refuge in Rafah, with the UN agency UNRWA confirming their displacement.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) evacuated its medical teams from a designated civilian evacuation area due to ongoing bombardments, which tragically resulted in the loss of two staff members during a rescue mission in Rafah.
In another tragic incident, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City claimed the lives of five Palestinians, while in Khan Younis, airstrikes killed several people, including a former senior Hamas police officer and two children, according to medics and Hamas sources.
Israeli forces extended their shelling to Gaza City neighborhoods and Jabalia in northern Gaza, leading to the destruction of residential areas.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with malnutrition becoming widespread as aid deliveries have been severely hindered. The UN reported a substantial decrease in humanitarian aid entering the enclave since Israel's assault on Rafah commenced earlier this month.
