Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday following the seizure of the main border crossing with Egypt. Negotiators had been working to finalize a ceasefire deal, deemed a “last chance” for peace.
Despite international objections, Israeli tanks entered the border city of Rafah on Tuesday, capturing the crucial crossing used for aid deliveries to the besieged Palestinian territory.
The White House criticized the disruption to humanitarian aid, revealing that a shipment of bombs had been halted last week due to concerns over Israel’s actions at Rafah.
As negotiations for a hostage release and ceasefire continued in Cairo, a senior Hamas official stressed that this was Israel’s final opportunity to secure the hostages’ release.
Mediators from Qatar, the US, and Egypt met with a Hamas delegation in Cairo, leading to agreements to resume talks involving all parties, including Israel.
While hopes were high for a resolution, Israeli airstrikes hit the Gaza Strip overnight, including Rafah. Amidst the violence, a tragic incident in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of seven family members in an apartment strike.
The Israeli operation in Rafah came shortly after Hamas accepted a truce proposal, leading to initial celebrations in Gaza that were quickly overshadowed by renewed violence and devastation.
Residents expressed disappointment over the turn of events, with one describing the evening as a “bloody night” as Israeli bombardments shattered hopes of peace and joy in the region.
