Israel Continues Offensive in Rafah Amid Global Criticism

The Israeli military has intensified its operations in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, advancing into its central regions despite facing significant international criticism and calls from allies, including the United States, to limit its military actions. This move comes after the Israeli forces claimed “operational control” over the Philadelphi Corridor, an eight-mile strip along the border with Egypt. The ongoing offensive has led to the displacement of over one million Palestinians, with many seeking refuge in Rafah following Israel’s directive for a mass evacuation in northern Gaza in late October. The city’s population has surged to 1.4 million, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the international outcry, Israeli officials argue that the offensive is crucial for defeating Hamas by targeting its fighters and destroying the network of cross-border tunnels used for smuggling weapons from Egypt. However, this military campaign has resulted in significant civilian casualties and suffering. A recent Israeli strike resulted in at least 45 fatalities, with the military stating it targeted Hamas commanders but also affected civilians.
The International Court of Justice has called on Israel to limit its military operations in Rafah to prevent further harm to civilians. Nonetheless, Israel has continued its assault, describing it as a limited and precise operation. Satellite imagery has shown the extent of Israel’s military presence in central Rafah and the destruction in eastern parts of the city, especially around the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which was captured by Israeli forces at the beginning of the offensive.
The Rafah crossing, a critical point for humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, has been closed since its capture. Efforts to reopen the crossing have been unsuccessful, despite the dire need for aid and medical assistance in Gaza. Following pressure from the US, Egypt has started redirecting some aid trucks to another crossing under Israeli control, Kerem Shalom, in an attempt to mitigate the severe shortage of aid entering Gaza. The situation in Rafah remains dire, with ongoing military operations exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.