Israeli forces seize control of Rafah crossing, threatening aid to Gaza

Israeli forces have taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, a vital entry point for aid to Gaza on the Egyptian border, according to Israel's military on Tuesday. This move comes after days of deadly Israeli airstrikes on Rafah and an Israeli evacuation order for Palestinians in parts of the city.

The Rafah crossing, the only Gaza border crossing not controlled by Israel, serves as a crucial location for allowing in limited humanitarian aid and facilitating the evacuation of Palestinians and foreign nationals during the ongoing conflict. However, the seizure of the crossing by Israeli tanks has resulted in a halt to all movement at the facility, as confirmed by a Palestinian official.

Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of this development on humanitarian relief efforts across Gaza. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned that the interruption of aid and fuel supplies at the Rafah crossing could bring critical humanitarian response efforts across the Gaza Strip to a standstill. UNRWA emphasized that the situation could exacerbate the already dire hunger crisis faced by people, particularly in northern Gaza, if supply routes are interrupted.

While Israel's military has asserted control over the Palestinian side of the crossing, questions remain about any plans to facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza. The UNRWA's warning underscores the urgent need for continued humanitarian support amid the escalating conflict.

[Information sourced from CNN]