Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after rejecting the ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas to end the war in Gaza, ordered the army to enter Rafah, taking the border city with Egypt, ignoring calls from the international community and continuing with military operations, despite not announcing the suspension of talks in Cairo.

Israel's refusal to accept the ceasefire negotiated and accepted by Hamas triggered a series of events that affected the civilian population in Gaza and raised international concerns as Rafah is an important entry point for humanitarian aid destined for the Palestinian territory.

Refusal of Access to Humanitarian Aid

The European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Josep Borrell, warned that the offensive will provoke an even greater humanitarian crisis than the one Gaza is already suffering.

"The situation is certainly very worrying. I cannot anticipate the humanitarian losses this will cause."

Borrell warned the press upon arrival at a European Council of Development Ministers.

International Condemnation

Turkey's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz added his voice to the criticism, saying that taking control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing is “add another war crime” to those committed in the context of the offensive launched against the Gaza Strip.

"By carrying out a ground attack on Rafah, one day after Hamas accepted the ceasefire proposal, Israel is adding another war crime to those already committed in the Palestinian territories since October 7."

Yilmaz stated in a message on the social network X.

Proudly Alone

Israel released images of tanks flying its flag and claimed to be carrying out an anti-terrorist operation in “specific areas" from the east of the city. The day before, the Israeli army had called for the evacuation of tens of thousands of families from the east of the city, where 1,4 million Palestinians live, according to the UN.

The move was seen as a prelude to a ground offensive that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to launch to eliminate the last Hamas battalions.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces confirmed in a statement that four mortar rounds hit the Kerem Shalom area without causing injuries or damage. Hamas's armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, had previously announced rocket fire against Israeli troops near the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The Consequences of Israel's Actions

Following the Genocide lawsuit filed against Israel by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, several international leaders have accused Israel of committing war crimes by taking control of Rafah, highlighting that such actions violate international law.

This attack has already led the United Nations General Assembly, with a vote in favor of 143 countries, to determine that the State of Palestine is qualified for UN membership under Article 4 of the UN Charter and should therefore be admitted to the United Nations, although without voting rights. Palestine had already held observer status since 2012.

The US has strongly criticized Israel for using American weapons in the Gaza Strip, violating international humanitarian law and Washington's rules for arms sales, leading to the suspension of military aid.

US Suspends Munitions Shipments

“Israeli authorities said that the supply of ammunition to Israel has been interrupted,” the portal reads.

According to the publication, the decision has raised serious concerns within the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, who are trying to understand the US decision. The article notes that US President Joe Biden is facing harsh criticism domestically for his support of Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip.

However, apparently, the Biden administration is “highly concerned” with Netanyahu’s plans to launch an offensive against the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where at least 1,4 million Palestinians are sheltering, displaced by the initial offensive in Gaza.

It should not be forgotten that the US had warned Israel that if it advanced on Rafah, it would suspend the shipment of ammunition. The shock and disbelief on the part of the Israeli government only demonstrates that they believed this position to be nothing more than a "bluff” or that it would just be a false position, just for the US, to maintain the “washed face” before the international community.

Earlier, in February, Washington had asked Tel Aviv for assurances that US-supplied weapons would only be used in the enclave in accordance with international law. Israel responded by sending a letter of assurances to the US government in March.

Conclusion

Israel's denial of humanitarian aid access to Rafah further aggravates the situation in Gaza, raising concerns about human rights and the "legality of their actions".

The international community's reactions, condemnations, and suspensions of US military support demonstrate the growing complexity and tensions involved in this conflict. With increasing civilian casualties and accusations of genocide and war crimes, the attempt to find a peaceful and lasting solution, crucial to the region's stability, appears increasingly out of reach.

Mais Afrika, like any serious and independent news outlet, tries to remain neutral, but don't you think that "what is too much is abuse”, isn’t it time someone put Israel in the place? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.

See also:

Conversations About… Israel vs Palestine, Part 2/4

South Africa Wants Israel Declared “Apartheid State”

Israel/Gaza: The Normalization of the Unbearable

HRW: Israel Starves Children in Gaza

South Africa Accuses Israel of Genocide

Human Rights Lie Agonizing in Gaza

Israel and the New (Now Palestinian) Apartheid