Israeli claims dominance over crucial crossing before ceasefire negotiations restart.

Israel has asserted control over a vital crossing point, a strategic move made just before the resumption of ceasefire talks. This action underscores the ongoing tensions and the importance of this location in the broader context of negotiations aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region.

The Israeli forces have declared they now control the Palestinian territory at the Rafah crossing on the Egypt border.

Residents in Rafah report flares illuminating the sky throughout the night, with ongoing sounds of bombardment by Israel. The Israeli military has announced the elimination of 20 individuals they label as Hamas "terrorists" and the discovery of three tunnel shafts near the crossing.

The military emphasizes that its current actions are highly targeted and limited, rather than a full-scale invasion of Rafah, which international authorities have cautioned against due to severe humanitarian risks for the densely populated area of displaced Palestinians in Gaza.

Amid these developments, diplomatic efforts intensify. Qatari mediators have resumed their role, returning to Cairo to discuss a ceasefire, driven by recent escalations.

Confusion prevails as an Israeli official, speaking anonymously last night, indicated acceptance by Hamas of what appeared to be an Egyptian peace proposal, though it did not fulfill Israeli demands.

However, other officials suggest this proposal closely aligns with a previous Israeli proposal, termed "extraordinarily generous" by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, adding layers to the ongoing diplomatic dialogue.

Source: BBC