Hamas has taken responsibility for launching a series of rockets from Rafah towards the Kerem Shalom border crossing, the main entry point for humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza. This attack resulted in multiple casualties, with some individuals in critical condition.
This is not the first time Hamas has targeted the Kerem Shalom crossing, disrupting the flow of essential aid to the people of Gaza during the conflict with Israel. The timing of this latest attack is crucial, as negotiations are ongoing for a potential hostage deal in Cairo. Israel has made it clear that it will take action against Hamas in Rafah, with or without an agreement.
In response to the attack, the Israel Defense Forces closed the Kerem Shalom crossing and launched helicopter strikes on the rocket launching sites in Rafah. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned the attack on Twitter, highlighting the damaging impact on the delivery of aid to Gaza.
The Palestinian Fatah party, a rival to Hamas, also criticized the attack, accusing Hamas of provoking Israeli retaliation against Rafah. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and complexities in the region.
Joel B. Pollak, Senior Editor-at-Large at Truth Voices, provides additional analysis on the situation and offers insights into the geopolitical dynamics at play.
