The Biden administration is not pleased with Israel’s actions, but Israel’s War Cabinet voted unanimously on Monday to proceed with their operations in Rafah. Reports from sources have revealed that Israel plans to capture the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza in the next few hours. This crossing is an important entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza and is viewed as a strategic site for Hamas by Israel.
Israel is taking steps to evacuate civilians from the area in an effort to minimize civilian casualties. The country also plans to monitor all aid entering Gaza by taking over the Rafah crossing, hoping to eliminate Hamas’ influence in the region. Israel also wants Palestinians from Gaza who are not associated with Hamas to be involved in the control and distribution of aid entering the Strip from Egypt.
Here's How Israel Plans to Take Rafah
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Critics of Israel’s operation express concerns about civilian casualties, but Israel’s careful steps to evacuate people and their plans for aid control are aimed at helping ensure aid reaches civilians rather than being hijacked by Hamas. Some observers believe that strict monitoring of the crossing is crucial and that Hamas has been profiting from controlling the aid flow.
Even as Israel evacuates civilians, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), an organization of the United Nations that has been critical of Israel, has expressed opposition to the operation. During a White House press briefing, U.S. officials indicated that they have concerns about the Israeli operation but are continuing to monitor the situation.
The operation in Rafah comes as Hamas claims to have agreed to a ceasefire, but there are concerns about the terms of the agreement. Some sources have highlighted potential issues with the ceasefire deal, questioning its validity.