Diplomatic efforts to open the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt have so far been unsuccessful, leaving the besieged Palestinian enclave without much-needed humanitarian aid. Despite expectations that the border would open hours ago to allow foreign passport holders to leave and aid to enter Gaza, it remains closed due to ongoing Israeli strikes in response to an attack by the Hamas militant group.
Lorries carrying vital aid have been waiting at the border for days, adding to the urgency of the situation. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been deteriorating rapidly, with the need for immediate assistance becoming increasingly critical.
In an interview with CNN, White House spokesman John Kirby revealed that US officials are hopeful that the Rafah crossing can be opened for a few hours later today to allow some individuals to leave Gaza before an anticipated Israeli ground offensive. The Israeli military is expected to launch an invasion of the Palestinian territory in the coming days.
The latest figures from the Israeli military indicate that 199 hostages are being held in Hamas-ruled Gaza, a higher number than previously estimated. Meanwhile, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, Mohammad Shtayyeh, addressed the situation, stating, “We are people of a civilization, we are not animals like they are painting us, and our people will not surrender. We are appealing to the prime minister of Israel to stop the aggression. Our people will not migrate and will not leave their land.”
Key developments in the ongoing crisis include Hamas denying Israel’s claim that water supplies to Gaza have resumed, Israel evacuating 28 towns along the Lebanese border due to escalating clashes with Hezbollah fighters, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken returning to Israel after completing a six-country tour.
The United Nations has issued a warning that fuel supplies at all hospitals across the Gaza Strip will last for no more than 24 hours, further exacerbating the dire situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “demolish Hamas” during an expanded emergency cabinet meeting, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported killing a commander of the Hamas militant group in an airstrike.
As the crisis continues, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged Netanyahu to minimize the impact on civilians, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to discuss the Gaza situation with Netanyahu during a scheduled meeting on Monday. The Kremlin has called for an immediate ceasefire and the start of a political settlement process to address the escalating conflict.
