Israel has announced the closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza following a rocket attack by Hamas militants, which resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and left several others wounded.
The Kerem Shalom crossing serves as a vital route for the delivery of humanitarian aid, including essential supplies like food and medical resources, into Gaza. Its closure poses significant challenges for ongoing relief efforts in the besieged territory.
The armed branch of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing, claiming to have used short-range rockets to target troops.
Ten rockets were launched, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), from a location close to the Rafah border in southern Gaza, which is around 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles) from Kerem Shalom.
According to the IDF, they shot from a location around 350 metres away from a civilian shelter before destroying the launcher and a military facility close by.
It described the launches as “another clear example of the terrorist organisation’s systematic exploitation of humanitarian facilities and spaces, and their continued use of the Gazan civilian population as human shields.”
The attack on the crossing comes amidst two days of ceasefire talks in Egypt aimed at securing a deal between Israel and Hamas. Mediators from Egypt have been facilitating discussions with the goal of achieving a cessation of hostilities in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to consider the proposed ceasefire, viewing it positively, but disagreements persist over whether the agreement should be temporary or permanent. The group insists on a commitment to ending the conflict, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected such demands, expressing concerns about the potential resurgence of Hamas military capabilities.
Netanyahu emphasised Israel’s unwillingness to accept a situation where Hamas regains control of Gaza, rebuilds its military infrastructure, and poses a renewed threat to Israeli citizens. He warned that such an outcome would constitute a significant defeat for Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted following incursions by Hamas gunmen into Israel from Gaza on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to a significant loss of life and injuries among Palestinian civilians, according to reports from the territory’s health ministry.
Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations, previous attempts to reach a resolution have faltered, with continued violence and instability in the region. The recent rocket attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing underscores the persistent challenges facing efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Gaza.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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