Israel and Hamas Trade Accusations of Ceasefire Violations; Rafah Crossing Reopening Planned Amid Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Israel Prepares to Open Rafah Crossing Amid Disputes with Hamas Over Ceasefire

Israel announced its readiness to reopen the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt to allow the passage of Palestinians, without specifying a final date. This announcement comes amidst an exchange of accusations between Israel and Hamas regarding violations of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The disputes include outstanding issues such as the return of the remains of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the disarmament of Palestinian factions, and the future of governance in the Gaza Strip, threatening the collapse of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian told reporters that Israel remains committed to implementing the agreement, while demanding that Hamas hand over the remains of the remaining 19 dead Israeli hostages.

Exchanging Accusations and Escalating Tension

While Hamas has already handed over 10 bodies, Israel claims that one of them is not the body of a hostage. In return, Hamas affirmed its commitment to the agreement regarding Gaza and the return of all remaining hostage remains, but noted that it may take time, as some bodies are buried in tunnels destroyed by Israel, while others are located under the rubble of buildings bombed by them. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, demanded that heavy equipment and excavation machinery be allowed into the besieged sector to remove the rubble and retrieve the bodies. A senior Hamas official accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by firing shots that killed at least 24 people since last Friday, confirming the submission of a list of violations to the mediators.

Disagreement over Disarmament and the Trump Plan

Israel indicates that the “Twenty Points Plan” developed by the Trump administration has entered its next phase, demanding that Hamas disarm and hand over power, a demand that Hamas currently rejects. In return, Hamas began imposing its security control in the areas from which Israeli forces withdrew, through public executions and clashes with local armed clans.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis and Efforts to Relieve Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening dramatically, amidst a severe shortage of food, medicine, and water. UN officials have expressed their deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation, calling for an increase in the volume of humanitarian aid entering the sector. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), affiliated with the Israeli army, confirmed that it is working in coordination with Egypt to determine a date for the reopening of the Rafah crossing, once the necessary preparations are completed, to allow the passage of individuals. It indicated that the crossing will not be used for the entry of aid, and that all humanitarian aid destined for Gaza must pass through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is under Israeli control, after being security inspected. Experts and observers warn that the continuation of the current situation may lead to a comprehensive humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, requiring urgent international action to provide the necessary humanitarian aid and pressure the conflicting parties to reach a peaceful solution that guarantees the rights of Palestinians and the security of Israelis.

Analysis of the Crisis and its Potential Repercussions

The current crisis in Gaza goes beyond being just a military conflict, as it reflects deep political, economic, and social dimensions. On the one hand, the conflict reflects the continued internal Palestinian division between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and the lack of a unified vision for the future. On the other hand, Gaza has been suffering from a suffocating Israeli blockade for years, which has led to a deterioration in living conditions and the spread of unemployment and poverty. In the absence of a comprehensive and just political solution to the Palestinian issue, and the continuation of violence and conflict, the future of Gaza remains unknown and fraught with dangers. This requires serious international action to end the Israeli occupation, establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, and ensure security and stability for all.

The role of international organizations

International organizations such as the UN and the Red Cross play a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and monitoring human rights in Gaza. However, their effectiveness is often hampered by political constraints and limited access. Strengthening the capacity of these organizations and ensuring their impartiality is essential to address the humanitarian crisis.

Economic Impact

The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on the Gazan economy. Infrastructure has been destroyed, businesses have been forced to close, and unemployment rates have soared. Rebuilding the economy and creating sustainable livelihoods will be a major challenge in the aftermath of the conflict. Long-term stability hinges on economic opportunity.

The need for long-term solutions

The cycle of violence and destruction in Gaza can only be broken with long-term solutions that address the root causes of the conflict. This includes ending the occupation, resolving the issue of refugees, and establishing a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It also needs regional cooperation.