An Israeli tank brigade has seized control of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, authorities say, moving forward with an offensive in the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remain on a knife’s edge.
The move comes after hours of whiplash in the Israel-Hamas war, with the militant group on Monday saying it accepted an Egyptian-Qatari mediated cease-fire proposal. Israel, meanwhile, insisted the deal did not meet its core demands. The high-stakes diplomatic moves and military brinkmanship left a glimmer of hope alive — but only barely — for an accord that could bring at least a pause in the 7-month-old war that has devastated the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli 401st Brigade entered the Rafah crossing early Tuesday morning, the Israeli military said, taking “operational control” of the crucial crossing. It’s the main route for aid entering the besieged enclave and exit for those able to flee into Egypt.
Related articles:
Related suggestion:
Commentary: Forced labor fallacy debunked by factsOne dead and two critical after a wannabe trucker who failed his test deliberately plowed his 183rd Belt and Road Forum will be a landmark event: Pakistani expertFamily of heiress who drowned are to sue her husband who was accused of killing herCommentary: China, a doer in advancing global climate governanceXi Meets Merieux Foundation President and His WifeDramatic moment carpenter, 25, who stabbed four people then murdered a Good Samaritan is arrestedXi Focus: Xi Jinping Meets Ma YingPainting new picture for Asian Games, creating better future for AsiaCommentary: CIFTIS opens door of cooperation wider for shared benefit