Fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces continued in the Gaza Strip’s southern city of Rafah on Wednesday. The United States announced that it had delayed a shipment of powerful bombs to Israel due to concerns about civilian casualties. The US aims to prevent a full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah and has expressed optimism about a revised ceasefire proposal from Hamas.
Israeli tanks entered Gaza at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Tuesday, cutting off a vital aid route and the only exit for wounded patients. The UN reports a “disastrous” humanitarian situation, with no fuel or aid entering Gaza and over half the population suffering from catastrophic hunger.
Hamas fighters are battling Israeli forces in the east, while Islamic Jihad fighters attacked Israeli soldiers and military vehicles near the airport. Israeli tank shells landed in Rafah, wounding at least 25 people. The mayor of Rafah appealed to the international community to intervene, warning of a humanitarian catastrophe.
The US delayed a weapons shipment to Israel, citing concerns about civilian protection. Israel’s UN ambassador expressed disappointment, while the US Defense Secretary emphasized the need for civilian safeguards. Israel intends to destroy Hamas but experts question the feasibility of this goal.
The Israeli military discovered Hamas infrastructure in eastern Rafah and conducted targeted raids and airstrikes across Gaza. Civilians, many of whom have been uprooted multiple times, were told to go to an “expanded humanitarian zone” in al-Mawasi. However, the mayor stated that this area lacks essential necessities.
Around 10,000 Palestinians have left Rafah since Monday, with the UN reporting a dire humanitarian situation. Armed groups continue to fight in the central Gaza Strip, while residents of northern Gaza report heavy Israeli tank shelling.
Ceasefire talks resumed in Cairo on Wednesday, with delegations from Hamas, Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar reacting positively. The talks are ongoing, with a new text presented by Hamas suggesting potential progress. However, Israel declared a previous proposal unacceptable, and aid remains blocked despite desperate need.
