Hamas Armed Wing Claims Responsibility for Israel-Gaza Border Crossing Attack
The armed wing of Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group, claimed responsibility for an attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza, leading to reported Israeli casualties, according to Israeli and Palestinian media. Israel’s military stated that 10 projectiles were launched from Rafah in southern Gaza toward the crossing, resulting in its closure for aid trucks entering Gaza. However, other crossings remain operational.
Hamas’ armed wing acknowledged firing rockets at an Israeli army base near the crossing but did not specify the launch location. A Hamas source indicated that the commercial crossing was not the intended target. Meanwhile, over a million Palestinians reside in Rafah, situated near the border with Egypt.
Shortly after the Hamas attack, Palestinian medics reported that an Israeli airstrike hit a house in Rafah, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries. The Israeli military confirmed the counter-strike, targeting the launcher used for the Hamas projectiles and a nearby military structure.
The Israeli military condemned Hamas for launching attacks near the Rafah Crossing, accusing the group of exploiting humanitarian facilities and using Gazan civilians as human shields. Hamas denies these allegations.
Israel has expressed its intention to enter southern Gaza to root out Hamas forces. Still, it faces pressure to exercise restraint due to concerns that such an operation could disrupt humanitarian efforts and escalate the conflict, endangering more lives.
The attack on the crossing occurred amidst fading hopes for ceasefire negotiations underway in Cairo. The conflict escalated after Hamas conducted a cross-border raid on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. Subsequently, Gaza has witnessed significant casualties and injuries as a result of Israeli airstrikes.
It’s important to note that this elaboration is based on the information provided, and the situation may have evolved since then.
