Israel Takes Control of Gazan Side of Rafah Crossing

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that its troops have gained operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing, following orders for the evacuation of the area. Amidst concerns raised by President Biden regarding the safety of civilians in Rafah, the IDF has commenced targeted strikes against Hamas operatives and expanded humanitarian zones to ensure the evacuation of civilians.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has taken operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing, a strategic border point between Gaza and Egypt. This move comes amidst rising tensions and the possibility of a ground operation in the area, where over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge.

President Biden has expressed concerns over the potential for civilian casualties in Rafah, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against an invasion. The two leaders reportedly discussed the issue of the 1.5 million Palestinians currently living in Rafah during a 30-minute phone call.

The Israeli military has described Rafah as the last significant stronghold of Hamas, a militant group that has been fighting against Israeli forces for months. The IDF has repeatedly stated that clearing Rafah is necessary to defeat Hamas.

In anticipation of a ground operation, the Israeli army has ordered an evacuation of Rafah, distributing brochures urging residents to head west. Overnight, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that Israel was compelled to act in Rafah after a deadly Hamas rocket attack left four Israeli soldiers dead.

The IDF has been conducting targeted strikes against Hamas operatives in eastern Rafah, a city located in the southern Gaza Strip. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that aircraft had struck over 50 terrorist targets in Rafah, while the military expanded humanitarian areas in Al-Mawasi and Khan Yunis.

The war in Gaza has displaced around 80% of the territory's 2.3 million population, causing widespread destruction and a soaring death toll. According to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry, over 34,500 people have died in the conflict.

Estimates provided by the Health Ministry do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The war began in October when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and abducting around 250 others. Israel claims militants still hold approximately 100 hostages and the remains of over 30 others.

The IDF's operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the safety of civilians trapped in the area. International efforts to de-escalate the conflict and provide humanitarian assistance continue amidst fears of a protracted ground operation.