In an unprecedented move, the Rafah border crossing has been closed by Israeli forces due to the presence of tanks in the area. According to a report by Reuters news agency, a Gaza border official confirmed that the Armed Forces have taken over the Rafah border crossing on the Gaza side, resulting in the suspension of aid delivery and closure of Kerem Shalom border crossing between Gaza, Israel, and Egypt.
Israel issued an evacuation order for eastern parts of Rafah on Monday night, followed by numerous airstrikes. Despite opposition from the United States and UN, Israeli forces have been situated east of Rafah since Monday evening, conducting searches in the area. At least five people were killed in Rafah by early Tuesday morning airstrikes, with others injured. Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal to end fighting in Gaza but Israeli leadership claims that it did not meet their demands. As a result, Israeli airstrikes have continued despite the ceasefire offer.
The ongoing battles in Gaza have had devastating humanitarian consequences with over 34,700 people killed and more than 70% of Gaza’s residential buildings destroyed as a result of conflict according to reports from UN. The loss of life and destruction of homes are significant concerns for civilians who seek refuge in Rafah and other parts of Gaza from ongoing warfare.